The Girondins de Bordeaux traveled to Geoffroy-Guichard this Saturday for their second preparation match. Paulo Sousa’s side faced off against the Stéphanois who had just played in a Coupe de France final against PSG.
For this meeting, Paulo Sousa decided to field a 3-4-3 organization.
The 11 Bordeaux : Costil – Jovanovic, Baysse, Koscielny – Mara, Zerkane, Otavio, Kwateng – Ui-Jo, De Préville, Maja.
Loris Benito did not participate in the meeting. Young Sekou Mara and Mehdi Zerkane are starting after their good performance against Angers last week. Paul Baysse is renewed in central defense. He occupies the central position, between Laurent Koscielny and Vukasin Jovanovic. Josh Maja is on top.
The Bordelais are surprised from the start of the match. A loss of the ball in the middle of the field destabilizes the whole team. The Greens arrived in excess in front of the Bordeaux area, Nordin caught a cold on Jovanovic and Costil (1-0 2 ’). Bordeaux reacted on the penalty by De Préville (31 1-1). Just before half-time, the Bordeaux central defense was surprised by Aouchiche. He played with three Bordeaux players and cheated Costil (2-1 45 ”). Upon returning from the locker room, Paulo Sousa decides to leave the same team. For his part, Claude Puel turned his 11. The result was quick, ASSSE scored at the start of the period by Abi (47 ’3-1). Aby scored the 4th goal by dropping Mexer (4-1 72 ’). Came on in the 62 ’Briand serves Mendu for the score reduction (90’ 4-2).
Benoît Costil : the Bordeaux goalkeeper conceded 4 goals in this match. If he appears surprised on Nordin’s first goal, he is put out of position by Aouchiche, and can do nothing on Charles Aby’s double. Note the stops opposite Aouchiche and Hamouma. He missed raises at the foot under the opposing pressure.
Vukasin Jovanovic : aligned central left, the Serbian spent a complicated evening at the Cauldron. He suffered enormously in the face of the speed of Nordin, Bouanga and Aouchiche. Often caught in speed, he collided with Baysse on the 4th goal. It will be replaced by Alexandre lauray at the 74 ’.
Laurent Koscielny : aligned with the right central station. He missed some raises and was less comfortable than the 4-a-side defense. He failed to stabilize his defensive block. He was less domineering than against Angers last week. It has been replaced by Mexer at the 62 ’. The Mozambican seemed to run in slow motion against the speed of the opponents. He was overwhelmed.
Paul Baysse : aligned in the center of the three-way defense. He collided with Jovanovic on the 4th goal allowing the Stéphane attack to be outnumbered. Taken by the vivacity of Aouchiche, he too was in pain in this meeting.
Enock Kwateng : The former Nantes player was playing right midfielder. It was he who launched Nicolas de Préville in depth allowing him to play one-on-one with Moulin. He delivers a sober match. He struggled to bring danger offensively.
Otavio : the Brazilian had difficulty finding the right position at the start of the match. He was taken out of position when the ball was lost in midfield on the opening goal. He then regained his performance by scratching balls and throwing cleanly. He was in more difficulty than against Angers. Replaced by Ruben Pardo at the 62 ’. The Spaniard gave some good balls including the magnificent pass for Briand on the 2nd Bordeaux goal. On the other hand, he was eaten in the field by the opposing midfielder.
Mehdi Zerkane : For his second appearance, the Bordeaux midfielder also needed time to find the right position in midfield. He then increased his volume of play in attack and defense. He gets the penalty allowing Bordeaux to equalize. He defended ardently. In the end, he still delivers an encouraging performance and seriously claims a place in the 11. Replaced by Toma Basic at the 62 ’. The Croatian made a very timid entry into the game.
Sekou Mara : The signing of his contract this week gave him the assurance that he did not have at Cholet against Angers. Aligned at the left midfield he delivered an interesting game and raised his level a notch. He played offensive balls hitting on goal with envy and creativity. In addition, he picked up on the defensive game at the end of the half to come and help Jovanovic. He still has to improve on this aspect of his game.
Hwang Ui-Jo : he started the meeting behind Josh Maja. He then swapped with his partners on the attack front. He was transparent in this meeting. Either his teammates can’t find him or he doesn’t make himself available enough. Amadou Traore replaces it at 62 ’. He distinguished himself by being solid on his supports and winning duels.
Nicolas de Préville : The strongman in the Girondins’ attacking sector has been less visible than during his previous outing. He remains efficient in front of goal. He scored the equalizer penalty in the first half. He also shoots Moulin’s post with a good cross shot.
Josh maja : the England striker started. He has a great opportunity in the first half. His shot in the 18m which was framed came out by the hand of Moulin. He is absent the rest of the game. Alexandre mendy replaces it at 62 ’. This time he played in a point and he was much more to his advantage. His qualities are expressed more in this role. He made an almost winning rush in the 80 ’. Solid, it resists the charge of its defender and shoots right next to it. He scored in the 90 ’on a good serve from Briand.
Remi Oudin : returned to 62 on the attack front. He does not touch much of the ball and does not weigh on the game. We can see an interesting cross at 85 ’into the box. His performance is timid as against Angers last week.
Jimmy briand : came into play at 62 ’on the right side. His burst of speed is not his strong point, which does not allow him to be to his advantage on the side. He had a great opportunity in the box at the end of the match on the center of Rémi Oudin. His ball is deflected for a corner. He gives the goal ball to Mendy.
Paulo sousa : The Bordeaux coach decided to field a 3-4-3 which destabilized his team early in the game and early in the second half. At the start of each period, Bordeaux conceded a goal. The players took ten minutes to find their bearings. The technician decided to renew his confidence in Zerkane in the midfield and Mara on the side. The two players have returned him well. He will have to find a defensive balance, because this new device has allowed Saint-Étienne to take advantage of the boulevards in the Bordeaux camp.