It remains a stain in the Red and Black tableau. A scar in the Nice locker room. The defeat of the first leg is still not digested. “We were swept away. To take 3-0 at home is not normal. This defeat sticks in my throat,” recognized Amine Gouiri on Thursday. Substitute that day, the Gym striker had returned but had not been able to prevent the sinking, three days after a promising draw at the Parc des Princes against PSG (0-0). “I remember from this match that I had not made the right choices,” smiled Christophe Galtier on Thursday. “We had been bad, me first. But no spirit of revenge. It’s simply a beautiful poster between the 3rd and the 4th.”
No spirit of revenge
A match for the podium simply. With a three-point lead over Racing, Le Gym can widen the gap or be overtaken in the event of a defeat. The famous six-point game. “We go there to win! We hope to widen the gap,” Gouiri aims. But the task promises to be complicated in a Meinau stadium which will be packed, like every home game. “They have a very hot public and a very offensive team,” deciphers Galtier, who salutes the work of his counterpart Julien Stephan. “All the credit goes to Julien who was able to adapt and change the system after his experience in Rennes. We feel a group that adheres.“
Who with Dante in hinge?
Beyond the context, the Gym is advancing towards this crucial match decimated in defense. Beyond the absences of Jordan Amavi and Youcef Atal due to injuries, who will once again be replaced by Melvin Bard and Jordan Lotomba, those of Jean-Clair Todibo and Flavius Daniliuc are more problematic for the staff. Who to accompany Dante in the axis? Galtier remained enigmatic in a press conference. “Danilo has the profile but hasn’t played for a long time. Lemina has already held this position in selection and Rosario in the European Cup. Often defensive midfielders can go down a notch“. On the Strasbourg side, he is the captain and the soul of this team. Dimitri Liénard who is suspended for this match.