APOEL Nicosia vs Lyonnais preview - Les Gones must show mental strength - Aulas

Posted Wednesday, March 07, 2012 by PA

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has urged his team to "regroup mentally" if they are to avoid further disappointment this week.

A 2-0 defeat at Nancy on Saturday means Lyon have slipped to 15 points behind Ligue 1 leaders Paris St German, and are now seven points off a top-three position - and a return to Champions League football next season.

In particular, Lyon's away form this season has been poor - losing eight of 14 league games on the road, which makes Wednesday's second leg of their last-16 tie against APOEL in Nicosia a tricky affair.

Going into the game at the GSP Stadium, Lyon lead 1-0 courtesy of a deflected strike from Alexandre Lacazette, but the Cypriot side have proven no slouches this season.

Prior to a 2-0 home defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk last time out, when they had already qualified from the group stages, APOEL were unbeaten in nine European matches, a run that included victories over Zenit St Petersburg and Porto.

"We have a team that lacks physical strength, vivacity and enthusiasm," Aulas told the club's official website.

"When we do not create enough opportunities and make mistakes we lose games that are within our reach.

"It is really disappointing, but we must remain behind the team, and in our games against Nicosia and Lille (on Saturday) we must be decisive.

"We must regroup mentally and not listen to negative comments."

The match represents an opportunity for APOEL to continue their remarkable adventure in the competition, having already become the first Cypriot side to reach the knockout phase.

Underlining the scale of their success so far, Brazilian striker Ailton told UEFA.com: "It has been very difficult, not only for me, but for everyone in Cyprus to understand how big our achievements have been until now in the Champions League.

"Everybody knows we have to be happy about it, and to enjoy it as much as we can.

"I'm sure it is the team work, everybody working together, giving everything for each other.

"We've been together since winning the championship, so we know what is needed and team work has been the key.

"As has been the dream to go to the next stage, to play the big teams in the Champions League and give everything in every game."