Nicolas Pétrot is putting personal history aside for the team cause at Anderlecht. The defender stressed on Tuesday that an old rivalry with Lyon does not count now that he is playing for the Brussels club in the Europa League.
"I play for Anderlecht at the moment so that rivalry between Saint-Etienne and Lyon does not count now," the 29-year-old Pétrot responded at the press conference ahead of the match. He arrived from Spanish club Elche last summer and has become a regular starter under coach Vitor Bruno. "Playing against Lyon is always special for me," he admitted, but the focus is now on the collective performance.
Pétrot pointed to Lyon's quality, notably the dangerous striker Loïs Openda who has scored twice this season. "He is a very good player who has often shown his qualities," said the defender. "As a team we must contain a player like him and stay concentrated for the whole match."
Moving to Anderlecht was partly motivated by these kinds of European nights for Pétrot. The team currently sits seventh in the Jupiler Pro League with ten points from six matches, following a 0-1 win at KV Mechelen last Friday. In that match, defensive partner Giulian Biancone picked up an injury, forcing a reshuffle at the back. Pétrot aims to continue his line of solid performances against the French opponents.
Anderlecht's recent form shows three wins, one draw and one defeat in their last five league games. After the European fixture, a home match against Zulte Waregem, who are fifth in the table, awaits on Saturday. The full schedule and current standings can be found online, along with an overview of the squad. Pétrot feels good in Brussels and is looking forward to the fast pace. "Matches follow each other quickly, but that's why you play football," he concluded. Anderlecht are aiming for a victory in Europe to boost their campaign.
This story first appeared at Starsporttv
