GF38 coach Frédéric Guéguen spoke after his team's victory against SC Bastia this Friday January 3 at the Stade des Alpes as part of the 17th day of Ligue 2.
“This victory feels good on an accounting level. When we are factual, it is especially good for the head. The scenario adds a little well-being for the players, it feels good. It’s that term, but it’s intensely good. I had no fear in terms of character, but above all I was disappointed to take a goal and to be punished like that. It wasn't possible, at some point, it had to turn!
The credit goes to the players who started the match, to the starters who energized our game and brought a lot more life and verticality. I spoke about this importance of the group recently, taking the example of the 24 hours of Le Mans. There are two drivers in the car, but we don't care if it's number 1 or number 2 driving when the car crosses the line. There was a great burst of energy, in a new system, with difficulties that the players overcame rather well. We felt that our equalizer was going to energize the team, it was rewarded by its self-sacrifice. Self-sacrifice, effort. Football is a story of generosity.
Why did we start Xantippe on one side and Paquiez on the other? We said to ourselves that Gaëtan, in a new system, could necessarily bring corrections and voice through his captaincy. “MX” could help thanks to the quality of his foot, in a match that we expected to be closed. There is also the entry into play of Eddy Sylvestre who, with those of the other substitutes, changed the face of the match. We took these options, they were beneficial because the guys gave themselves.
No matter the way, you must already give yourself. The supporters rightly criticized us but tonight we saw smiles. When a team is sick, it's better to take the right medicine right away, and winning is good medicine for headaches. The objective is to continue like this. Because to move away from this red zone and exist, you need regularity. But we are already going to enjoy, quietly, savor it. »
