What if, ultimately, the setbacks had no effect on Stade Brestois? Undermined by injuries, at the end of the year, like never before since his return to Ligue 1, he was able to respond perfectly on all fronts, with three successes as a foretaste of the holidays, in the Champions League (1-0 against PSV Eindhoven, December 10), in Ligue 1 (4-1 against Nantes, on the 15th) and in the Coupe de France (1-0 at La Roche-sur-Yon, N2, on the 21st).
However, the calendar will get busy in the coming weeks, with seven meetings in January, before a month of February which could be even more plentiful. These figures do not say everything about the issues or the prestige of the posters. During this month, Brest, already qualified for the play-offs, will try to secure a direct ticket for the round of 16 of the Champions League thanks to a trip to the home pitch of Shakhtar Donetsk in Gelsenkirchen and the reception of the Real Madrid. In the Championship, he will host Lyon (January 11) and Paris (the first weekend of February), with a derby against Rennes interspersed. All provided with a workforce that is struggling, which will gradually replenish, but in an uncertain manner.
Behind, in addition to Bradley Locko (Achilles tendon of the right foot), not expected before the spring, the central Soumaïla Coulibaly (abdominals) and Julien Le Cardinal (hamstrings) are in the recovery phase, which will allow Abdoulaye Ndiaye, who acted very well in the interim, continued. The first is hoped to be operational upon its return from the Netherlands on January 10
. The second, the following week.
In the middle, Jonas Martin (thigh) and Pierre Lees-Melou (right fibula) are now racing. But they will probably not be fit so early, especially the second, who took a long time to return this summer after a similar injury. So, what attitude should we adopt, with a winter transfer window which will end on February 3 at 11 p.m.?
“If I had everyone on hand, in good health, I would see no point in strengthening the group”
Eric Roy, Brest coach Questioned at a press conference on Friday, Eric Roy first showed a smile for the occasion.“I didn’t write any letters to Santa Claus” recalled the Finistère coach. Before specifying the issues: “If I had everyone on hand, in good health, I would see no point in strengthening the group. We’re already waiting to see how the guys recover. We will know much more at the end of January. Will we still be in the Coupe de France? (reception of Nantes in 16th on the 15th)
? What does the Champions League promise us? Today, if we wanted to take a player, we would be unable to do so because we are not attractive. Often, we do things at the end and that’s not a bad thing, because it will allow us to have a vision of our workforce. We talked about it with Greg. »
Greg is Grégory Lorenzi, a sports director who is adept at versatile profiles, particularly on the defensive level. One or two players could be targeted in this sector, also with a view to planning for the next seasons with, for example, the loan of young players with high potential, likely to commit definitively in the medium term. But, until then, eight matches are scheduled in one month.
Senegal
