So of course, the catastrophic state of the pitch chewed up by the Mérignac Rugby scrums was a downside to a truly festive evening. She helped level the four division gap. But “we were the first to struggle with what we wanted to produce,” commented the coach, Clément Tapy. And above all his men knew how to “compete in duels, in engagement, on set pieces”. His Laval counterpart Olivier Frapolli, satisfied with the seriousness of his men, underlined this: “It was the perfect trap. »
The Mérignacais had planned “stages”. The first half hour passed almost like a blackboard. The excellent Jérémy Diaz and his teammates, well organized in a 5-4-1 formation mirroring their opponent, controlled the Tangos and managed to come out nicely several times. To do this, they were able to count on the surprise of the leader: the former Senegalese international Salif Sané, 313 professional matches with the Girondins, Nancy, Hanover and Schalke 04, who signed a month ago and had not played until then only half-time in the championship.
“Increased emotions”
The Bordeaux player “gave confidence” says Clément Tapy, heading a few corners too. Because “on a very weak time” at the end of the first period and upon returning from the locker room, the Mérignacais suffered. But they resisted with composure and the coaching almost came close to turning the match around for them, with the legs of Messaoudi and Claudant and two great counter situations (78th and 79th). “But there was rigor, extra soul sometimes, a goalkeeper who was present. I find that we have always been able to remain solid,” points out Clément Tapy, whose men remain undefeated this season.
