After shaping his playing philosophy in Slovenia, his country of origin, Luka Elsner settled down in the French championship with some success. First in Amiens (2019/20) before arriving at the head of Le Havre, where he gleaned a Ligue 2 championship title, the 42-year-old technician joined Reims this summer, maintaining his desire to be flexible in its playing systems. Thus, two schemes are favored by the Reims staff: the 4-3-3 and the 4-2-3-1.
Last bastion of the Stade de Reims for two seasons, Yehvann Diouf will take his place in goal. In defense, Sergio Akieme and the young Nhoa Sangui (18), starters on the last day against OL, will probably occupy the corridors. Summer recruit Aurelio Buta could return to the starting lineup. To compose the axis, Luka Elsner will have the choice between Joseph Okumu, Cédric Kipré, Emmanuel Agbadou or even the Belgian Thibault De Smet.
In front of the defense, the Marnese youth could be in the spotlight with the French U19 international, Valentin Atangana and the Ivorian Amadou Koné (19 years old). In the case of a three-way midfielder, Marshall Munetsi should supervise his young midfield teammates. Often coming into play in recent weeks, the former La Gaillette Yaya Fofana and the Brazilian Gabriel Moscardo could do well.
In a more offensive role, the dynamic Japanese wingers Junya Ito and Keito Nakamura (see the “player to watch” section) seem to be favored by the former Le Havre coach. The Reims playing master, Teddy Teuma should be there to support the home scorer Oumar Diakité (4 goals this season). Amine Salama and Mamadou Diakhon will also bring their vivacity during the meeting.
Belgium
