Very effective at home with six victories (for only one defeat during the first day of the championship), RC Pays de Grasse is more permeable outside the Alpes-Maritimes with only one success acquired during day 2 (at Andrezieux) for three draws and two defeats during their six trips. But it is still as a leader that Loïc Chabas' players arrive in Saint-Jean on Saturday evening.
Difficult beginnings
And it is almost a shock of extremes that the Anglo public will witness. Because Cédric Pardeilhan's players missed their start to the season by taking only one point in the first six games. “We didn’t have any problems adapting,” explains coach Angloy. “It even seems to me that on most of our trips, we have the best or first opportunities. But in terms of efficiency and realism, we are in deficit. »
Not to mention that the Genêts have to deal with major travel every two weeks. “We didn't ask for this chicken,” regrets Cédric, “we're a bit of a joke. With the Girondins hen, we would have had 7,000 kilometers less. And when we know that the kilometer costs the club around five euros, we see what the Genêts could have saved on these trips. And in terms of preparation, leaving the night before the away match in a sleeper bus does not favor Bixente Mendiburu's teammates to compete with teams that operate almost professionally. “We struggled to make an impact on both surfaces and when your opponent scores on the only opportunities he has, it hits you in the head and physically, it's very hard at the end of the match,” he adds. Cédric Pardeilhan.
Better on an accounting level
Even if the Genêts waited until December to bring back their first points on the road (victory at Marignane 2-1), it is still much better in terms of accounting in recent weeks. We remind you: one point in the first six days compared to eight in the next six before the defeat against Saint-Priest last Saturday (1-2). “I knew it would be complicated against them because they have players capable of making efforts everywhere and in the transition phases, they are also very strong” comments coach Angloy.
But on Saturday evening, it is the leader who presents himself in Saint-Jean. “If they are first, it is because there must be very few weak points,” Cédric Pardeilhan is wary. “But after the defeat against Saint-Priest, it’s a very good match to prepare for and play. We made video this week but I feel the players involved, with the right attitude and commitment” adds the technician. “Not one player wants to give up. They know it will be complicated until the end. But on Saturday, we have everything to gain,” he concludes.
Anglet 16th, (9 points) – RC Pays de Grasse 1st, (24 points)
Lieu Anglet Stade Saint-Jean, Saturday evening, 7 p.m. Referees M. Flachot.
Anglet : Giffard, Da Ros – Guevel, Mendiburu, Becaas, Leriche, Ruiz, Zahi, Luc. Laplace-Palette, E. and X. Daguerre, M. and T.Lapeyre, Thomas, Betina, Nguea, Sanha.
The staff will still be deprived of the services of Lilian Laplace-Palette, Dorian Chailleux, Kamil Ouraghi, Arnaud Rollin and Anthony Coloneaux. Only the youngest Laplace-Palette returns to the group.
