Lyon Defender Over His Cris-is In Form

Dogged by poor form at the outset of the season, Brazilian central-defender Cris, is pushing back towards his best form and is eager for his Olympique Lyonnais side’s match against Paris Saint-Germain tomorrow to come as quickly as possible.

“I’m happy with my performance on the field,” he explained to l’Equipe, “The problem is that people expect me to be perfect – as if I am not allowed to make mistakes. But I have always made errors.”

There has certainly been little evidence of huge weaknesses in the Lyon defence of late. Claude Puel’s men have conceded only one goal in their last five matches, with Cris’ improved form part of the reason for an improvement. Confidence was evident in the back four for long periods of the 2-1 success over Bordeaux last weekend despite being under pressure for much of the match.

“I can assure you, I would prefer to be punished for much of the game and win rather than dominate and lose,” the 31 year-old explained.

A former Brazilian international, Cris does not believe that the title has already been won, despite Lyon building a seven point advantage at the summit of Ligue 1. PSG are one of the sides he has noted as a threat to their dominance, thereby giving tomorrow evening’s match a further edge.

“I love playing at the Parc des Princes,” he declared, “The atmosphere there is not bad at all and PSG vs. Lyon is a bit special. It’s a classico!”

‘The Policeman’, as he is affectionately known, has pinpointed Guillaume Hoarau as the hosts’ main threat. “He is a great player… who has a real talent,” Cris stated, “I am told that he is a bit like [John] Carew. He has his style but is younger. In fact, I think he is rather like [Bordeaux striker, Marouane] Chamakh.”

The Moroccan certainly gave Cris a difficult evening last Sunday but the Brazilian defender would be content with a similar outcome in Paris tomorrow evening.

Robin Bairner