SM Caen regained good momentum last week, with two victories in five days (0-3 against Martigues and 2-0 against Bastia). A new impetus to be confirmed on Saturday (8 p.m.), on the pitch at Saint-Symphorien, during a trip to Metz. A good test during which Malherbe will find Jessy Deminguet, for the first time since his departure from Calvados in the winter of 2023.
The group: Henry and Coulibaly packages
“Valentin Henry has a relapse in his calf, he will be absent tomorrow. It felt like he stopped at the right time when he came off at half-time, but it looked like it was longer than expected. Kalifa Coulibaly (muscle problem) and the usual long-term injured. Yann (M'Vila), it's still going to be a long time. We recover Daylam Meddah, in addition to Najim and Hafid who returned last week already.
Lamine is in the right tempo, he could struggle for a few days but nothing exceptional. He begins to join the group for warm-ups and technical games. I hope that in December he will be able to do a first group session with us.
Having injuries is normal, but when it multiplies in the same position, it's annoying. Diabé (Bolumbu) started against Ajaccio a few weeks ago in this full-back position. I found it interesting. Against Amiens, I felt he was in more difficulty. Against Bastia, I found it mixed. There is still too much technical waste. He's certainly not on the right foot, but he must learn to orient himself better and that allows him to gain experience and playing time. I expect him to be at a higher level than that. Even defensive gestures must be fairer and more successful. These are the details that will make him a better player tomorrow. I am aware that I am not putting him in the best conditions to exist but we must not be choosy. This is one of the current solutions. »
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Metz: “If we beat a contender for the climb, that gives more value”
“I hope that the two matches we have just had will give them a lot of confidence. That the minimum investment that we must have each time, in a match, is acquired. I hope it will continue tomorrow. I know that we are going to face a difficult opponent, who wants to climb back into Ligue 1. He has strong strengths at the heart of the game with a lot of technical skill. Strong forces with speed too. I hope that we will be able to be a little more in control of our game, in terms of our ability to hold the ball and impose our possession, and that we will restore more verticality in our game. In terms of controlling the match, we still has a milestone to go, so I hope we will make the match complicated for the opponent.
We already had an example (after Ajaccio and Amiens), where we had two victories before losing again, and I hope that this example will help us not to fall into the same mistakes again. Beyond the result, I expect content, an ability to transcend oneself and stand up. The players raised their heads even though we were in a delicate situation. I hope we will use this to understand that we don't want to fall back into it again.
I think this could be a positive trigger match. If we get a result, a draw or a victory, it will resonate with the players that we were able to do it against a contender. Without disrespecting the opponents, when we beat Martigues, everyone says that it's normal, even though it's difficult. And when we are able to beat a well-ranked opponent, we say to ourselves that the team is strong and that gives us confidence. We experienced it last year against Angers. If we beat a contender for the climb, that gives more value, more meaning to our performance. Even if it only remains three points, like all matches. »
On the game system
“I have a preference, because the 4-2-3-1 is a system where the players are more used to it and have more reference points. Generally speaking, when things go less well we return to this system. But there is also the timing of the season and the feeling. The idea is to provide benchmarks while being able to modulate. What doesn't change are the game principles. Who would have thought that one day Micka Le Bihan would play as an eccentric on the left? However, he gave two qualitative performances, I found it coherent. Lorenzo (Rajot), I never thought he would play number 10. However, I found his entry ultra coherent too. It’s also the players who give me answers.
When I took over the project, my trademark was this: the idea is to keep as many people involved as possible. I know I have a core group of 18 players that I can really rely on. Now we have to find the right complementarity and make them play when they are in their best state. That's where you have to throw them, otherwise it doesn't make sense. And this allows everyone to feel responsible for the project and that nothing is ever taken for granted. »
On trust
“We often say about coaches that when they get through crisis situations it’s because they are capable of making things happen. We were able to win back matches in a difficult situation, and I include the entire staff, the management, the entire structure in that. The level of confidence has always been quite high for me. I am an optimistic person, I believe in the potential of players. Afterwards, I have to bring the guys to the same level of belief as mine. From the outside, I was also told that I was much calmer in the last two matches, on the bench. Maybe I sent more serenity to the players and the results are also linked to that. We, the staff, must send them serenity and confidence. It was perhaps unconsciously, because I did not have the feeling of being more serene. I can tell you that in Martigues I was tense (laughs). »
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