Puel urges Lille to learn lesson

Thursday 22 December, 2005

Lille boss Claude Puel described Wednesday’s Coupe de la Ligue defeat at Monaco as another hard lesson for his young team.

Just days after destroying Lyon at the Stade Gerland, Lille failed to repeat the trick in the principality.

They enjoyed the better of the game but – as was the case for much of their Champions’ League campaign – failed to convert their chances, and were eventually punished by Camel Meriem’s free kick 10 minutes from time.

“We produced an excellent first 30 minutes,” Puel said. “But during that period we failed to capitalise on our chances.

“We then lost our way a bit and became disorganised. We knew that the second half would swing on a minor detail. It’s a hard defeat to accept but we have to learn.

“We have to learn to be more consistent at this level,” added the former Monaco Coach.