After a good start to the season in L2, Red Star fell hard last Friday by losing heavily (0-3) to Stade Lavallois who had not yet won a single match. Even if the consequences are not too serious in the standings since the promoted team occupies 12th place in the standings with a 3-point lead over the red zone, the upcoming program this week promises to be full with the trip this Tuesday to Clermont (8:30 p.m.) for the 6th day then the reception of Paris FC at the Bauer stadium for the Paris region derby this Saturday afternoon (2:30 p.m.).
In a post-match press conference, Audonian coach Grégory Poirier pointed out the lack of physical impact and experience against their opponent. “These are not things where you press the button and it goes well. In addition, we have absences that cost us dearly in this area because they have experienced L2, confided the technician. It is not worrying because we were prepared for it and we have a collective and a state of mind. We must remain optimistic. We achieved very interesting things against Ajaccio (1-0) and Lorient (1-2) at certain times and for longer at Guingamp (4-3). We must gain consistency.”
Red Star must also be more airtight in defense. Aside from the clean sheet against AC Ajaccio, the Green and Whites have systematically conceded three goals in each outing and two in Lorient. That’s far too many to win matches. “We need to work defensively on the individual aspect. We have players who need to continue their tactical learning and what certain components of L2 require, insists Grégory Poirier. We can also progress on the collective and mental aspect. It’s not a problem of state of mind. We need to raise certain sliders, particularly in impact.”
Several players are missing for the trip to Clermont. Aliou Badji (knee), Bradley Danger (pubis), Blondon Meyapya (patellar tendons), Rayane Doucouré (knee), Joachim Eickmayer (hamstrings), Fodé Doucouré (personal) and Hianga’a Mbock (suspended) are out. Bissenty Mendy is making his return to defense.
After changing his tactical plan at half-time against Laval, the coach could be tempted to repeat the experience at kick-off in Clermont by switching from the 3-4-3 established by former coach Habib Beye to a 4-3-3 that he has favoured for several years. Opposite, the Clermontois, trained by Sébastien Bichard, the former assistant of Red Star, are struggling to digest their relegation from L1. They remain on a series of three defeats in a row and a lacklustre 14th place in the standings.
“We always travel to get a result and pick up points. Today we are where we are,” declared Grégory Poirier. “We will have to present a coherent, efficient team block with values. We are trying to improve defensively but I am not happy with what we offered offensively against Laval. We must improve in the truth zones!”
Match sheet
CLERMONT – RED STAR, this Tuesday (8:30 p.m.), Gabriel-Montpied stadium. Referee: Mr. Taleb.
Red Star: Beunardeau – Escartini, Mendy, Kouagba (cap.), Durivaux – K. Cissé, Dembi, Renel, R. Hachem – Ifnaoui, Benali. Refill : Bonet (g), Anani, Durand, Fall, Kany, Botella, El Hriti. Entr.: Pear tree.
Absent. Badji (knee), Danger (pubis), Meyapya (patellar tendons), R. Doucouré (knee), Eickmayer (hamstrings), F. Doucouré (personal), Slimani, Avognan (choice), Mbock (suspended).
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