SM Caen. With Yannis Clémentia, the hierarchy of goalkeepers is shaken up: is he on an interim basis?

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After two matches as a starter in goal at Stade Malherbe Caen, Yannis Clementia is one of the satisfactions of this week. During the victory against Bastia on Saturday November 2, 2024 (2-0), the Martinican responded again despite a hesitant start to the match.

Clémentia arrived free in Caen

If it is still early to say that the hierarchy has shifted, Yannis Clémentia has qualities to highlight.

All the time I've been here, I've always told myself that my time would come. I know I'm number 2, but in case of injury or suspension, you have to be ready.

Number 2 status for several seasons

Arrived free in Caen in 2021 to replace Rémi Riou during his injury, Yannis Clémentia has always been the understudy at SM Caen. The arrival of Anthony Mandréa a year and a half later left the Martinican in the shadows. “I always made sure to help Anthony,” says Yannis Clémentia.

Ready, he was when he learned he would be starter for the match against Martiguesduring the last training session before the match. If he didn't have much to do during the first match, he was called upon more against Bastia. Nicolas Seube noted a complicated start to the match, but also the reaction in the second half.

Yannis missed his first half. The second one was much better. He was better in the kicking game, more present in the aerial game. There is certainly emotion, but also and above all, we have to play matches in this position. Over time, I hope he will gain confidence.

An interim number 1 or a longer-term contract?

Nicolas Seube had put his two goalkeepers competing in the offseason. Sometimes starting Anthony Mandréa, sometimes Yannis Clémentia during friendly matches. The hesitation was long since the Caen coach only made the decision to support the Algerian before the last preparation match. A decision which was difficult to accept by the Martinican.

“It was hard to hear that,” reveals Yannis Clémentia. Because it's the first time I had the opportunity to become number 1. I was sad for a while, but then I got back into it to help the team. »

After two consecutive successful tenureswithout injury or suspension of the number 1 goalkeeper at the start of the season, has the hierarchy changed in the mind of Nicolas Seube? A change of goalkeeper is never trivial. Even more so when the new starter doesn't concede goals and the team wins. For the moment, Yannis Clémentia does not consider himself an official number 1.

For me, I'm temporary. Nobody told me that I'm number 1. I'll do what I have to do and then we'll see. It's not for me to say if I scored points to become number 1.

With one last match to play in Metz before the break, on Saturday November 9, SM Caen will come up against an opponent of a different caliber than those it has encountered in recent weeks. The same goes for Yannis Clémentia if he is lined up in goal again. If Stade Malherbe has been enjoying great momentum for a week, the hardest part is always to confirm. Kind of like when a goalie gets a chance to show off.

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