[ASSE-MHSC] Saint-Étienne, towards a return of more difficult choices for Jean-Louis Gasset

Since the start of the season, when it comes to forming a 20-day group for each day, Montpellier HSC has been navigating troubled waters, between numerous (and repeated) injuries and a few suspensions, complicating the coaches' task. First Michel Der Zakarian, then now Jean-Louis Gasset, had to juggle a team often deprived of key elements. Despite these difficulties and with style, the MHSC was finally able to do well last weekend, with the victory against Brest.

This positive result, a real asset in the minds, could be reinforced by the return of several executives for the next meeting against AS Saint-Étienne, perhaps marking the end of a period of shortage and the beginning of… problems said “rich people”. The next outing could therefore be notably marked by the revivals of Téji Savanier, Joris Chotard and Becir Omeragic, essential players but absent for several weeks for different reasons. Usually starters, their return raises a delicate question for Gasset: how to reintegrate them without breaking the collective dynamic observed against Brest? A question that we would not have even asked ourselves before this match against the Bretons as the players in place were far from expectations. This time, the latter proved on the ground that they had the weapons to meet the challenge of maintaining, even in the absence of certain executives, and that they deserved to be confirmed. In midfield, the absences of Jordan Ferri and Birama Touré, suspended for the trip to Saint-Étienne, will (almost) somewhat simplify Gasset's choices in midfield, although the balance and automatisms will have to be redefined. Note also that the return of Khalil Fayad is also considered.

In the defensive axis, on the other hand, the situation seems more complex. The addition of Omeragic involves strategic choices, notably with the correct performances of Modibo Sagnan and especially those interesting of the latest arrival, Nikola Maksimovic. With these returns and no one will complain, Gasset will have to deal with increased competition in his squad, a situation which contrasts with the rotation difficulties at the start of the season. Several young people had to be thrown into the defensive zone (Dzodic, Mouanga, etc.).

This situation could, in fact, force the usual incumbents to surpass themselves to keep their place and allow the youngest or the less experienced to shine. This emulation could ultimately benefit the entire team, strengthening a squad which, in the absence of consistency in the stability of the players, could find consistency in the results. Facing a Saint-Étienne team looking for redemption after their defeat in the derby, this trip will be one more test for Montpellier. Jean-Louis Gasset, former coach of the Greens, knows this particular atmosphere at the Chaudron well, and experience could work in favor of the MHSC. For supporters, it's time to hope. If injuries and suspensions have so far hampered the progress of the MHSC, the ability of the new staff to manage its workforce and establish healthy competition could well propel the team towards a less dark horizon.