The context: 16th goal to finish well
FC Annecy ends its year 2024 with 27 points in Ligue 2 in 16 days, that’s eight more in three fewer games (19 points in 19 days) than in 2023. So, the Haut-Savoyards do not have want to go on vacation with a grimace, especially since they will be short with a resumption set for December 28. “We must close the year 2024 in the best possible way. We are going to go there with a lot of determination because it is not going to be easy,” warns captain Ahmed Kashi. Even if a qualification in the round of 16 would make the schedule heavier because all the next rounds will be played during the week, “we do not take this competition lightly, it is not secondary for us”, promises coach Laurent Guyot who set the small challenge for his players not to be eliminated by a hierarchically inferior team during this edition of the Coupe de France.
For this last day at work before the holidays, the Haut-Savoyard technician could carry out a less marked turnover than during the two previous rounds even if several executives will blow. “We must give importance to rotation because it is an opportunity for players to have playing time and benchmarks in competition in order to then be able to use them in the championship. I try to have a certain consistency in my choices because beyond being players, they are above all human beings who need to understand what is happening and above all to feel concerned. » It’s up to them to do the work to continue the adventure.
>> Find the calendar, ranking, results of Ligue 2
The opponent: Goal FC on a slippery slope
Relegated from National where it only spent one season, Goal FC is at the bottom of the N2 table (14th out of 16) while hovering over the club is the threat of a loss of nine points in the ranking for the use of false medical certificates by one of its players. The Chasselay club offered itself this 32nd final by eliminating GFA’s Haute-Savoie neighbor Rumilly Vallières (N2) on penalties before losing to them last weekend at home in the championship (4- 2). This is the second N2 team in a row that FCA faces in the Coupe de France after qualifying at Jura Sud (0-0, 6-5 tab) by pulling out the oars. “There is more experience, a different way of playing too,” says Guyot about Goal FC. It’s a club that has had consistency and results for several seasons now. We know these matches, we know that we will have to be ready, especially mentally to respond. »
The fact: penalties, Annecy DNA?
The pros remain on four victorious sessions in a row (Belfort, Paris FC, OM, Jura Sud), the U18s have just taken out Saint-Etienne in Gambardella in this way as well. Annecy magic. “We have a goalkeeper (Editor’s note: Thomas Callens) who is indeed performing well, we have had a lot of success in this area in the last sessions we have played. But what does this ensure for the future? Nothing at all. I know we’re not unbeatable. No one can be certain in this exercise,” explains Guyot.
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The transfer window: few movements expected
Guyot expects “a very calm transfer window” even if a first recruit has arrived with the young attacking midfielder Kilyan Jusseron (18 years old, Andrézieux) who is already training with the professional group and should commit very soon until 2028 as revealed on ledauphine.com. “I know very well that we will not be able to recruit four potential starters who would considerably improve the level of the team. There are surely adjustments to be made, we will have to identify them. We will see what can be done,” explains Guyot. In the direction of departures, things could also move a little. “There are players who could leave us, on whom we haven’t counted too much lately, even if there are still agreements to be found. But, for my part, these are not people who cause behavioral problems. »
The sentence: “Vacation? I’m using it to prepare for the second half of the season”
Ahmed Kashi, captain of FC Annecy: “Holidays? You have to breathe, enjoy the family but I mainly use it to prepare for the second part of the season, to refocus on myself. That’s no use to me anymore. We will have to be ready with important matches against teams who are playing for their survival, others who are playing for the top of the table. There will be a lot more at stake. It’s going to be beautiful to play. »
The squad: Soukouna still out, Larose uncertain
The FCA will once again have to do without part of its defense since Lajugie (thigh) relapsed against Metz. The Annecy medical staff was awaiting the results of the latest examinations this Wednesday but the versatile defender is already out. Just like central defender Soukouna (ankle) whose recovery between now and the resumption of the championship on January 3 in Ajaccio is not assured. Hit in the back against Metz, Larose is uncertain and trained apart from this Wednesday like Billemaz (ankle) who is out, and Ntignee. Guyot will, however, be able to count on the returns of defender Drouhin and attacker Dago after a suspension match.
