“Sunday, ASSE lost in Strasbourg (0-1) and we can regret that the match was held despite the presence of 18 cases of Covid-19 in the workforce and in the staff of the Greens. For me, there is a real lack of sports fairness. As much when there are injuries and suspensions, these are inherent imponderables in the sport. As much there is nevertheless particular. I wonder how the LFP Competitions Commission was able to authorize this match with so many absentees …
If we want to stay positive, we can always say to ourselves that this RC Strasbourg – ASSE match made it possible to see the promising Saint-Etienne youth at work. The young people who were titular, those who returned at the end, all put a lot of implication. There is a real state of mind and talent. Obviously, all this can be improved and would not hold up every weekend in Ligue 1 but, occasionally, to troubleshoot, there is reserve.
“I don’t think this team is cut out to handle fear”
At La Meinau, Sainté lost 1-0. As against Nîmes, Sainté missed a penalty at a key moment in the match. It is very annoying because these are capital points facing direct opponents to maintain. I have a thought for Ryad Boudebouz who missed these two penalties but it also shows that even with experience, we can have a certain fragility at important times. When on top of that, the arbitration turns against you … It does a lot against the Greens now.
At the accounting level, that makes two defeats in a row against two direct competitors. There is another painful statistic: only one victory for Saint-Etienne over the last eleven-twelve matches. This team makes very good matches against the big guys but there are no spectacular victories except for Marseille. She plays less well against the little ones, against the teams in her championship, and does not win them either. At some point, Saint-Etienne will have to win matches. ASSE will not necessarily play its survival against Lyon but by going to Nice, by facing Metz, Reims. Above all, the Greens must not start to be afraid for the maintenance. I don’t think this team is cut out to handle fear.
“ASSE will not be the favorite of the derby”
Sunday is OL. On paper, it’s like against PSG or LOSC. We tell ourselves that Saint-Etienne is no match for it. Now you never know what can happen in football, especially with these Greens. ASSE will not be the favorite in the derby. If only by the difference in the quality of the workforce. OL have recovered Slimani where Saint-Etienne is still looking for his scorer … I will not go so far as to say that a derby must be overlooked. It’s impossible. The players will obviously be keen to do well. But I expect them more in the matches that will follow. Losing against Lyon, everyone expects it. If, for I do not know what reason, ASSE manages to make an exploit, so much the better. But it would be pointless to beat OL if it is to chain three defeats in a row behind … “