What should be the skilful balance between caution and risk-taking, between balance and imbalance? This is not a question envisaged for an upcoming baccalaureate philosophy test, rather the subject which occupied the staff of ASSE before the trip this Monday evening to Metz (14th day of Ligue 2). Both the best attack and the worst defense in Ligue 2 for a large part of this start to the season, the Greens seem to be gaining in solidity (no goals conceded in Amiens and against Rodez in the Coupe de France) while having lost their attacking range ( one goal scored in three games, Wadji penalty against Amiens). A caution (or a helplessness?) which cannot last for an ASSE still stuck in the red zone, three lengths from Dijon, the first non-relegation.
I don’t know if my players are being too careful, it’s not something I asked them. Laurent Batlles
To find this clever mix, this balance that would allow ASSE to regain momentum and finally turn the points counter, coach Laurent Batlles met each player during the last week. Individual meetings to discuss their position on the field, this need to replay forward.
“I don’t know if my players are being too cautious, it’s not something I asked themconcedes Laurent Batlles. Maybe they want to secure something but today, the fact of securing does not allow us to bring imbalance to the opponent. We need to find positions that would allow us to be much more present in front of the opposing goal.”
A victory and ASSE would come out of the red zone
A positioning that is obviously not suitable is that of ASSE in the Ligue 2 classification. Before this meeting in Metz, the Greens occupy 19th and penultimate place. A success would allow them to return to the height of Nîmes, Dijon and get out of the red zone on goal difference. In front of the media, players and staff assure that they are not fixated on this relegation zone, but rather on their game.We don’t necessarily look at the rankings, explains goalkeeper Matthieu Dreyer, holder this Monday in Metz. Between now and the World Cup break, our goal is to achieve two consistent matches in content. Obviously, if we can take six points by the break, we will not deprive ourselves of it.”
Return from Krasso, absences from Briançon and Monconduit
After having served his three suspension games following his red card received at Sochaux, striker Jean-Philippe Krasso (top scorer for the Greens and Ligue 2) returns to the group on Monday. A significant reinforcement but two important absences, those of defender and captain Anthony Briançon as well as midfielder Thomas Monconduit, both injured. Weakened in recent days by gastroenteritis, Aïmen Moueffek is not on the trip, just like Sergi Palencia, Saidou Sow, Jibril Othman and Ayman Aiki (choice). Entered into play in the Coupe de France against Rodez, striker Mathys Saban remains in the Saint-Etienne group.
Metz – ASSE, 14th day of Ligue 2 to be experienced in full from 8 p.m. on France Bleu Saint-Étienne Loire, with our partners from Evect.