The Stade de Reims travels to the Molsheim stadium to face the Still-Mutzig team in a match counting for the 32nd finals of the Coupe de France.
The match which will start at 2:45 p.m. this Sunday, December 22 will pit the 10th in Ligue 1, the Reims stadiumwith 20 points in 15 days, against 6th in Group B of Regional 1, l’Association Still-Mutzigwith 16 points in 11 games played.
Favoritism is, obviously, on the side of Reims, but be careful of the surprise at this end of year period.
The Reims stadium is on a series of four games without a win with three draws and a defeat, even if we can consider that they were big pieces at home: 1-1 against Lyon0-0 against Monaco and 0-2 against Lens.
The Remois hope to finish the year 2024 on a good note, as affirmed by the Portuguese right side of Reims, Aurélio Butahas Flashscore en interview exclusive.
After the draw against the Monegasques, Aurelio Buta made an initial assessment of this first part of the season which he hopes will end with a victory against l’Association Still-Mutzig.
The 27-year-old right side, trained in Benfica and loaned by l'Eintracht Francfortalso told us about his experience at Reims where he has played 12 matches since his arrival at the end of the summer transfer window.
The Portuguese player, who also passed through Royal Antwerp and Belgiumalso revealed his plans for the end-of-year holidays.
What can we say about this draw against Monaco?
“This game has a bitter taste, because I think we had chances to score. I think we were solid in defense and we created chances to score, but we didn't manage to take them . But I think overall it was a good match. We had a great match.”
The defense was able to resist Monaco in the first half, and, above all, in the second half with the entries into play of Lamine Camara, Maghnes Akliouche and Breel Embolo, is that what we must remember?
“Yes, we know that Monaco is a team with qualities, it has a lot of quality players. We did our job, we tried to stop them and I think we succeeded, besides they didn't create many chances. I think we defended well. We did very well.”
A fourth match without a victory, does that worry you?
“Yes, because our ambition is always to win, to win as many points as possible. We are in a series where we have not won, in a series with two draws in a row (editor's note: 0-0 against Strasbourg and 0-0 against Monaco), but matches without conceding a goal, which is also very important. This gives us incredible defensive strength and we can say that it works well defensively. But, on the other hand, of course we want to take points in the league. I think, all the same, that we must draw very positive lessons from this first half of the season and perfect the rest for next year.”
Is there a finishing problem at the moment?
“I don't think it's a finishing problem. Faced with Monacofor example, we created a lot of chances. I think we had a few chances to score. There's also a lack of luck, which is what you sometimes need, but I think these are things we can improve on. In the next few games, we will be able to score goals, and we will be able to win again.”
The team ends 2024 in tenth place in Ligue 1, with 20 points after 15 matches. What can we say about it?
“I think, overall, we've had a good half of the season so far. I think we've done a lot of positive things. Of course, there's a lot of things we need to improve on and we do. we know, but now it's up to us to continue working and, next year, we can try to bring back victories, that's the most important thing, and we will try to stay in the first part of the table. as high as possible.
It is still possible to end the year in the best way with the Coupe de France, but we should not be surprised by a 'smaller' team on paper?
“Yes, of course. It's not over yet. We have the cup match, which we know is also very important for the club. We want to finish the year in style, before we rest.”
Was 2024 a positive year for Aurélio?
“I think it has been overall, it has been a positive year. First of all, I have always been present, without being bothered by injuries. In the past, I was at one point of my career where I had a lot of injuries and now I'm going through a phase where I feel good physically I think we can say that this year 2024 was positive I played a lot of matches in 2024 so yes,. It was a year.”
How did the wounds disappear?
“With the injuries, I think I've grown a lot, and I've improved some things. I've had to improve my diet, but also my rest times. Of course, all these little things count. At my age, I already have a little experience and I have already perfected these little details. Now I feel good, I would even say that I feel really good.
How was your arrival in Reims defined?
“Everything happened quickly. And when a club really wants you, you can only accept. It was the best option for me.”
What opinion do you have on Ligue 1?
“It's an intense league in terms of play. It's a championship with a lot of talented players. For me as a defender, it's a challenge to face very technically strong players.”
Have you suffered from the cold since you arrived in Reims?
“No. I'm used to it. In Belgium and Germany, it's not very hot either. I know the cold and the snow well, it's not a problem for me.”
How are the end of year celebrations going for Aurélio?
“I'm going to spend Christmas with my family this year. I haven't spent it with my family for a long time, at least not in recent years. I've always been caught up in time, because there have been periods where I've been playing right after Christmas This year I'm going to spend it with my family, my wife's family, the first Christmas with our son too, and I think it will be a special Christmas and end of year.”
For 2025, what can we wish you?
“Mainly good health. Health for me, for my family and for a successful year, which is the most important thing.”
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