“Looking back, how do you analyze the loss in the derby?
I watched the game several times. It’s the first time that I’ve been really disappointed with my players because we didn’t do what we had to do. Regardless of the vagaries of the workforce, each player has a professional contract and is therefore able to play at this level. Against OL in the first half, we were jostled in all areas of the game. We also show too many technical weaknesses, but it’s because the players are too tense, they have to let go. It must also be simpler in construction. There are too many inopportune controls, the passes must come out of the feet faster. Passes given to a touch of the ball make the sequence live and make the opponent run.
The club’s situation is increasingly critical. What do you say to players?
The players are aware of the danger. Time is running out, we need points. But we can’t ignore our opponents. They want to win just as much as we do. Since I arrived, there have been three defeats for three matches. So, inevitably, it will be a feat at the end of the season (if we continue). In fact, it’s a chance and I told the players because you can go from being a cellar to being a hero. There are still so many points to be won and matches to be played. Even if the margin is reduced match after match, Saint-Etienne has every chance of remaining mathematically.
Is the match against Angers (Wednesday, 7 p.m.) a pivotal match?
All matches are pivotal, but this one even more because in the last three, the hinges have been shattered. It’s the most important match we’ve ever had to play and everyone will have to show the best version of themselves, but all together. This would allow us to compete, but that we have done rather well so far because in the end, the scores are always tight. Against Nantes, at half-time, and against Lens, in the 70th minute, it was difficult to predict the final result. What I see is that we are competitive but not enough, and that in all areas of the game, athletically, technically and tactically. »