Garde pleasantly surprised by Lyon start

2 September 2012 13:42

Lyon manager Remi Garde has hailed a better than expected start to the Ligue 1 season after his side beat Valenciennes on Saturday.

The 3-2 win at the Stade de Gerland was Lyon's third in four games and leaves the club on top of the table with 10 points.

"It's been a good start to the season. Our goal was to get eight points from four games," Garde said.

"It was what I asked the players to do and we have done a little better that what I expected."

The Valenciennes game was Lyon's first without goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who completed a transfer to English Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur on Friday.

"Losing Hugo after having started the league was difficult for everyone," Garde said.

"There was emotion for him but also for all the other players."

Garde was full of praise for Remi Vercoutre, who impressed in his first appearance as Lyon's first-choice goalkeeper.

"We all saw his performance against Valenciennes. I thought he shone," Garde said.

"I know that he will be great for the rest of the season."

Midfielder Steed Malbranque was also outstanding in his first outing since returning to Lyon from AS Saint-Etienne.

"I've been watching Steed closely since he returned to training with us," Garde said.

"I feel - as you have seen during the game - that Steed has rediscovered his spontaneity and intelligence.

"I have to say that I am quite surprised after so much time not playing. He had a great game."