Only six weeks have passed, but a lot has happened. Since the trip to Reims on January 9 and a severe 3-1 defeat, the Greens have known everything. A Covid cluster and a humiliation in the derby and then the renewal with three wins and a draw (series in progress).
For the reception in Reims this Saturday at 1 pm at Geoffroy-Guichard, a slight scent of revenge hangs in the air: “I don’t prefer to talk too much about it whispered Claude Puel at a press conference this Friday. Unfortunately we suffered a lot of things to the contrary (refereeing decisions) that I consider beyond our control and which had a big influence on the whole match.“.
We want to get out of this area – Claude Puel
The Manager of the Greens therefore prefers to look ahead and rely on the victory brought back from Rennes on the last day: “There was a very good state of mind. It was good. This requires confirmation. We are playing against a direct competitor. We have to get out of this area and there is work “.
An almost complete workforce.
Against Reims, 13th but tied on points (29), the Greens have the opportunity to achieve the best series of their season. They can do better than at the start of the canonical exercise which saw them take the lead in Ligue 1 after three wins and a draw. For this and for the first time in a long time, AS Saint-Étienne will have all of its forces. The entire workforce, except Yvann Maçon and Romain Hamouma injured, apply for a place in the eleven holder.
We should find Anthony Modeste, absent in Rennes because of a positive Covid test but Claude Puel will have to make choices between an untenable Whabi Khazri in Brittany and Arnaud Nordin and Denis Bouanga scorers on the lawn of Roahzon Park. Unless the general manager of the Greens decides to align the four players together from the kick-off.
The supporters will be in Geoffroy-Guichard
Earlier this week the group of Magic Fans launched a call for a rally on social networks. The residents of Kop Nord will meet at 11 am this Saturday morning to encourage the Greens when they arrive by coach. Under a spring sun and at the heart of a great series in the championship, fervor will resonate again after months of silence around the Chaudron.