In a few hours, LOSC will travel to Auxerre for its first match of 2025 in hostile territory. We introduced this duel, which promises to be arduous, with Fred, AJA supporter and editor for Team AJA.
What can you tell us about the current dynamics of AJ Auxerre?
After a fantastic start to the season, we are in a slightly more difficult phase. But this bad patch is to be correlated with the injuries of several starters. We saw, against Dunkirk among others, that our replacements were not necessarily at the expected level.
What playing pattern is favored by Christophe Pélissier?
At the moment, against the big teams, it is the 5-4-1 which is used. This system is solid and allows us to avoid major disappointments. We saw that it was quite effective against PSG for example.
How can we explain the sudden lack of results (since December) from the AJA? The climate remains positive?
As I was able to say previously, it is the injuries to the starters which cause this less positive dynamic. I think they have more impact than what was, I think, envisaged by the staff. Our replacements do not bring added value to the group. But frankly yes, we remain positive. No one would have expected this start to the season.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of AJ Auxerre?
In the forces, you find the unity of the group which, when it is complete, struggles until the last second. You sprinkle that with one or two good individualities and you have the (almost) winning recipe for this first part of the season. We can also add the support of the home crowd which is very important as the coach and players regularly remind us. In the weaknesses, the lack of depth of the bench, and a big problem with concentration on the outside.
Is there a key player in Yonne?
Without hesitation, Hamed Junior Traoré. It’s been a long time since we’ve had a player of his level under our colors.
How do you plan for the upcoming match?
It’s a mix of hope and worry. Hope because it is home and we know that we are capable of great things at home. Worry because we are still being told that there are 3 absentees.
What memories do you have of the last confrontations between LOSC and AJ Auxerre?
Our first match in Ligue 1 against you after 10 years in Ligue 2… This 4-1 defeat really hurt a lot of supporters. Otherwise the return had been more balanced.
What do you think of LOSC?
It’s a great team, a great club that works well without making noise. However, after your Lopez period, things seemed off to a bad start.
Is there a player that Auxerre fans are particularly wary of in Lille?
How not to mention Jonathan David, complete attacker, he confirms day after day that he is one of the best in the championship.
Where do you see LOSC and AJ Auxerre at the end of the season?
If the Champions League doesn’t drain all your energy, a top 3 is possible. We, as our old wizard said season after season, we aim to maintain (as quickly as possible but to maintain). Afterwards in terms of place, we can hope to aim for the soft underbelly of the championship.
What scenario do you imagine and what would be your prediction for this duel?
I’ve never been good at it. It’s going to be a tense match on our side, we’re going to leave you the ball, with a low block. And we are going to proceed on the other hand. I’ll sign with both hands if we end up in a draw.
Finally, can you give us news of the former Lille residents (Saad Agouzoul, Nathan Buayi-Kiala and Tom Negrel)?
– Saad (Agouzoul) has recently reappeared in the group. He was away from it after his operation at the end of last season.
– Nathan (Buayi-Kiala), unfortunately for him, was injured once again, the Crusaders a priori, therefore end of season.
– Tom (Negrel) acted as interim during the match against Dunkirk in the Coupe de France otherwise we don’t see him much.
