In what state of form is your squad before your match in Montpellier?
We have recovered eleven players who left for selection. There is a lot of fatigue, especially for the African internationals who have made long trips. These are always a little truncated weeks where you have to maintain quality and motivation in training. It’s special but I’m happy that we have internationals, it shows that we have quality and potential. Unfortunately, this Sunday, we will not be able to count on Saïdou Sow.
Ignacio Ramírez est très vite entré dans le vif du sujet.
How is the integration of Ignacio Ramirez going?
Ignacio quickly got to the heart of the matter by quickly participating in group training. We try to integrate it as much as possible. You have to be careful though, he’s just arrived, moving to another country with a time difference. We are careful to support him as well as possible. He is a player who looks good physically, he is used to working well. He’s a striker, a real center forward. He is very present in the surface, his favorite area. He is a smart player in his travels, his discounts. It is effective and that is what we are looking for.
Is it more difficult to prepare for this Sunday’s meeting (1 p.m.) against a Montpellier team that has changed its face with the departure of its two attackers during the transfer window?
Two players have left, it’s true, Valère Germain has arrived. The way Montpellier and its new coach play will not change too much. This is a team that will certainly start from behind and very quickly seek verticality. They want to get to the point. Montpellier remains very dangerous and the departures during the transfer window will not change much.
Gérard Farison a grandement participé à la légende de l’AS Saint-Étienne. Le club est touché par sa disparition.
What does the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium represent, which will celebrate its 90th anniversary this Monday?
We know his nickname, the Cauldron. It is a magnificent, legendary stadium. It represents a lot of memories for which I have a lot of respect. This is my first discovery of football, it brings to mind a lot of great moments. I would like to take this opportunity to have a word about the death of Gérard Farison. He greatly participated in the legend of AS Saint-Étienne. Like his family, the club is touched by his disappearance.