Genesio backs Aïssa Mandi amid criticism at Lille

Lille OSC (@LOSC_En)/X

LOSC Lille coach Bruno Genesio has come to the defence of Algerian defender Aïssa Mandi having been heavily criticized for his recent performances. Mandi left Spanish side Villarreal to join the French club in the summer of 2024.

French coach Genesio said Mandi likes to respond to criticism on the pitch. "I think he responded on the pitch, as he often does. Criticism is part of the job, as long as it remains as objective and honest as possible. It is part of the job. Whether it’s the players or us, the coaches, the best response is results and performances,” said the former Lyon and Rennes trainer.

Mandi made 24 appearances in the French Ligue 1. Genesio noted that Mandi had memorable performances during his tenure at Lille. “Aïssa showed that, especially in the last match. I also remember the match against Juve, for example, where he played on the wing. Every time we called on him, he responded."

"He has different characteristics from Bafodé Diakité or Thomas Meunier when he played on the wing. But he fulfilled his role 100% when he played. Once again, against Marseille, he was good. I think that is the best way to respond to criticism, or at least to show that we are present."

The 32-year-old center-back remains a key figure for Les Fennecs. He played the full 90 minutes in Algeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers against Botswana and Mozambique.

Lille are fifth in Ligue 1 with 57 points as they hope to secure the last UEFA Champions League spot with one game remaining. They host Samba Diawara’s Stade Reims on the final matchday.