ASSE returns to the field this weekend after two weeks of international break. Sixteenth in Ligue 1, the Greens welcome Montpellier (18th) this Saturday (7 p.m.) for the 12th day of the championship. Olivier Dall'Oglio took stock of his squad at a press conference.
Two teams in difficulty in Ligue 1
Olivier Dall'Oglio's men enter this weekend's meeting after a defeat in the derby (1-0). “He missed that little extra. I am proud of the players who did honor to this jersey, but there is a lot of disappointment and regret.” Concludes the Stéphanois coach after the meeting. The technician remembers a daring team which made the Lyonnais doubt on several occasions. The Saint-Etienne technician is counting on more affordable meetings to gain points: “We will have to take points against less posh teams, with less individuality.”
But without the three taken, ASSE is still in the play-off position. The Greens only have a slim margin of one point over Le Havre, then first in relegation. Opposed to the MHSC this Saturday, the Stéphanois have the opportunity to set the record straight. The formation of a newly appointed Jean-Louis Gasset enjoys the title of the worst defense in Ligue 1 (31 goals conceded in 11 matches). However, after five consecutive defeats, the Montpellier side won 3-1 against Brest before the break. The Gasset effect? Only the future will tell us.
ASSE with an important return
The Saint-Etienne coach can count on an infirmary which is emptying over the weeks. After several weeks in the closet, Yvann Maçon faced Strasbourg (2-0) and Lyon (1-0). Ibrahima Wadji played 13 minutes for the opposition after yet another relapse and Pierre Cornud was on the trip. A shower of good news, while Mickaël Nadé is expected to miss several weeks of competition and Ben Old is severely injured in the left knee.
Olivier Dall'Oglio (ASSE coach) : ” We were afraid for Mickaël Nadé, but in 3/4 weeks, it could be good. Yvann Maçon is also out, following pain in his recently operated knee. Despite everything, we are seeing returns, like that of Mathieu Cafaro who is no longer suspended. It goes for Dylan Batubinsika too!”
