Claude Puel
'Emirates Cup a diverse type of preparation'
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By Nick Teale
Olympique Lyonnais manager Claude Puel is looking forward to the "different type of preparation" the Emirates Cup will provide his side ahead of their new season.
The French outfit take on Celtic and AC Milan in this weekend's competition and the Lyonnais boss believes the contrast between those two sides will be beneficial to his team.
"Playing against teams as diverse as Celtic and AC Milan gives you a different type of preparation," Puel told a press conference at Emirates Stadium.
"They are good teams to play against and that gives us the chance to fine-tune the details before we start the new season, to get into a rhythm - that’s always important.
"It is also important on a mental level to have a very good pre-season preparation and we are looking to make the most of this weekend.
"Celtic have the second leg of their Champions League qualifying match next week. They are matches that are very important in the preparation for next season.
"We still need to get up to a high speed, even though we are doing pretty well at the moment.
"We are working very hard on tempo and other important aspects to our game. This kind of competition gives the players a chance to play against good-quality teams.
"It will give us the chance to go into August in a positive vein. The French international players who have had some time off have a chance to get some match fitness under their belts."
[Friday, July 30, 2010]
