Here we go again! After a great year in 2024 marked by the (re) rise to Ligue 2, Red Star must validate in May 2025 its retention in the elite antechamber. A goal that will not be easy to accomplish. The Seine-Saint-Denis club, in fact, had a disappointing first part of the season with only 5 wins on the clock, a 14th place in the standings (three points ahead of play-off Caen) and an elimination in the 8th round. of the Coupe de France against FC 93 Bobigny (N2). But the Audoniens left the year 2024 with their most successful match in front of Grenoble (3-1 victory). Enough to give you confidence before returning to the L2 pitches this Friday in Rodez for the 17th and final day of the first leg.
“It felt good mentally. We had the strength to not give up in difficult times, says coach Grégory Poirier. Like many rising teams, the balance of power is changing in several areas. We all have to prove that we want to exist in this championship. The results show that we are in a better dynamic even if it remains fragile. We have no margin. The goal scored – goal conceded deficit must be reduced. We are not in a relegation zone. We must score more on our highlights. We are fragile defensively when we do not validate. »
Central defender Bradley Danger, absent for almost three months due to pubalgia, returns to the squad against a team of which he was captain last season. Rayane Doucouré (knee), Bisenty Mendy (meniscus) and goalkeeper Quentin Beunardeau (knee) are recovering. Alioune Fall (ill) and Hianga'a Mbock (suspended) are absent. While the winter transfer window has only just started, Red Star will try to be active. An attacker is desired. “We will try to be opportunistic,” says the technician.
For this first of the year, the 93 team is offered a difficult trip to Rodez (11th), 4th last season and undefeated in the league since October 4 (4 wins and 5 draws). “We are facing one of the best teams in L2 offensively (2nd attack behind Lorient with 29 goals), announces Grégory Poirier. Our ability to remain compact will be one of the keys to the match. Rodez can take a lot of risks. It's up to us to have a solid team and do poorly offensively. We will not have the right to be at 95%. I expect my team to be focused from the start of the match in this return to competition. »
Match sheet
RODEZ – RED STAR, this Friday (8 p.m.), Paul-Lignon stadium. Referee: Mr. Gaillouste.
Red Star : Risser – Durivaux, Escartin, Meyapya, Kouagba (cap.), Hachem – F. Doucouré, Dembi, Renel, Durand – Benali. Example. : Bonet (g), Eickmayer, Danger, Ifnaoui, Badji, Botella, Cissé. Entr. : Poirier.
Absent. Mbock (suspended), R. Doucouré (knee), Fall (ill), Mendy (menic), Beunardeau (knee). Slimani, Kany, Anani, El Hriti (choice).
