Monday 9 January 2012

Lugano saves Ancelotti from fiery end


"For a long time Carlo Ancelotti's baptism of fire looked like a journey into hell" notes today's Parisien.

But just as the Italian was contemplating a fiery end, up popped the most unlikely of heroes, defender Diego Lugano, to rescue his team - and new boss - from Coupe de France humiliation.

The PSG were heading for a 1-1 draw with CFA2 minnows Locminé, with Abou Maiga's penalty having cancelled out Javier Pastore's opener. But in stoppage-time Lugano found space in the box to head home Nene's inviting cross.

So PSG were able to celebrate a famous glorious memorable win over a side a mere 160 places below them in the French pyramid (thanks to French Football Weekly for that stat), we're definitely going places.

"I'm not happy because we have to play better," said Ancelotti afterwards, showing that, whatever the language, football managers are adept at stating the bleeding obvious. "But I am happy because we won. When you win it gives you more confidence moving forward."

The manager added that he was disappointed with the amount of chances his team spurned, and that they need Kevin Gameiro back as soon as possible. The former Lorient striker missed the game with a knee injury.

"I was upset because Pastore had the opportunity to score the second goal. It's the same with Nene. I said at the end when it is possible to score, it should be done," said the Italian.

"Gameiro was very good in the first half of the season, he scored many good goals. We want him to recover quickly, Menez also."

Amen to that. PSG have drawn another CFA2 team, Sable-sur-Sarthe, in the last 16.

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