The Impact U21 players have learned a lot since their arrival in France almost a week ago. Head coach Wilfried Nancy talked to Impact Media about the first week of the team’s tour in France.
A good reception in Saint-Etienne
Based at the AS Saint-Etienne training facility, the U21 squad has had the chance to experience the life of a professionnal player as well as watch the first team’s training session.
“We were well received," said U21 head coach Wilfried Nancy. "Our players are living with the players from Saint-Etienne’s academy, discuss soccer and see first hand the life of a future pro."
The players have taken part in activities off the pitch such as visiting the Saint-Etienne mines, a few games of petanque, excursions and mountain biking.
The team also went to a Europa League game on Thursday evening between AS Saint-Etienne and FC Milsami, of Moldova, at Stade Geoffroy Guichard, with Les Verts winning the first leg 3-0.
First game against Olympique Lyonnais
The team kicked things off against Olympique Lyonnais’ reserve side last Saturday and despite the 4-1 loss, U21 head coach Wilfried Nancy thinks that it was a great way to evaluate his players. Charles Joly scored the team’s only goal in the Impact U21’s first game in France.
"The game against OL will serve as a benchmark for our next games," he explained. "The players understood what our objectives were performance-wise, individually and collectively. There was a bit too much hesitation in their play and at this level, mistakes will cost you."
Draw against Servette FC
The U21 team did perform better a few days later, drawing 1-1 against Servette FC, at Stade de Genève, in Switzerland, on Tuesday. Jeremy Gagnon-Laparé opened the scoring in the 27th minute, but the Swiss team equalized with five minutes remaining in the game.
"The players did really well and there was quality in their play," said the U21 head coach. "The first 10 minutes were tough, but they did well to take control of the game afterwards. The finishing could have bee better to win the game. They learned a lot after the game against Olympique Lyonnais."
The Impact U21 will now play its last game of the France tour against the AS Saint-Etienne reserve side, this Saturday at 10am (local time), before heading back to Montréal the next day.
