Form means nothing in derby, says Galtier

Saint Etienne coach Christophe Galtier says his side are underdogs for their latest derby with Lyon, despite sitting higher in Ligue 1.

Saint Etienne are enjoying one of their best seasons for many years, and are in a strong position to qualify for next year’s UEFA Champions League, sitting in fourth place in the league.

In contrast, Lyon are seventh and have only won one of their last five games. They were also knocked out of the Champions League last week by Cypriots APOEL Nicosia.

Despite this, Galtier thinks the Derby du Rhone is more like a cup game.

“We are not the favourites,” Galtier said. “Contrary to all the press conferences I’ve had before derbies in my career, this one is special because I’m still learning”

“We can’t be the favourites. A derby is a special game. And in a derby, there is by definition, no favourite team. It’s like a cup game between a big and a smaller team.”

“For the moment, we are not a top-flight team. But we are above Lyon at the ranking. It’s an enjoyable position. But the objective is not to be above them at the 28th matchday. The idea is to be above them and some other at the end at the 38th one.”