Saint-Etienne Coach Christophe Galtier felt his side “certainly deserved more” after a 3-2 defeat to Lazio with nine men.
The French team, currently second in Ligue 1, had taken the lead in Rome before a turnaround.
“My players certainly deserved more, but I am still happy to have seen my team play like this in a European match,” declared Galtier.
Saint-Etienne Coach Christophe Galtier felt his side “certainly deserved more” after a 3-2 defeat to Lazio with nine men.
The French team, currently second in Ligue 1, had taken the lead in Rome before a turnaround.
“My players certainly deserved more, but I am still happy to have seen my team play like this in a European match,” declared Galtier.
“Despite the handicap of two red cards, we remained in the game to the end and desired the equaliser. We actually could’ve scored for 2-2 before the second dismissal and when Lazio went 3-1 up my players still had the courage to get back into the running.”
There was controversy over the Robert Beric red card, as Mauricio – who has been diagnosed with a broken nose – appeared to accidentally collide with the elbow.
“Perhaps the referee was a little hasty when he saw the blood on Mauricio’s nose. Having said all that, Lazio played the way they know how, at their tempo and with a very strong strike force.
“I am very disappointed my players were unable to experience the joy of an equaliser, but I invite them to not give up, because we will reap the rewards of this work.
“The objective is to qualify for the knockout rounds. After two games we’re not up there yet, but we can earn points over the next few outings.”