maintaining in D1 would not be “undeserved”

Four days after the draw (2-2) at home against Reims, last match of the season for the women of the DFCO: while the maintenance in D1 is still not validated, they move on Wednesday June 1, 2022 on the lawn Paris FC (3rd) – kick-off 8:45 p.m. The Dijonnaises are on a terrible series: 15 games in a row without winning. The DFCO is 9th out of 12 (with 15 points) at the dawn of this last day but still has its destiny in its hands to maintain itself… or can hope for a misstep from the direct competitors (Issy 10th, moves to Lyon and Soyaux, 11th, moves to Saint-Etienne).

An ejection seat for three teams: the scenarios for maintaining D1

• The DFCO wins against Paris FC: the DFCO is maintained.
• The DFCO draws at Paris FC: the DFCO can maintain thanks to the goal difference, even in the event of victory of the competitors (+4 compared to Issy, who goes to Lyon; +10 compared to Soyaux who moves in Saint Etienne)
• The DFCO loses to Paris FC: the DFCO is maintained in the event of defeat by Soyaux in Saint-Etienne, and/or Issy in Lyon.

A difficult season, a “deserved” maintenance?

The last Dijon victory dates back to October 16, 2021, in Fleury. More than seven months of scarcity. However, maintaining “would not be undeserved” believes midfielder (sometimes positioned in defense) Hélène Fercocq, “because we had a very good first part of the season” : “We deserve for the whole season but not for the second half of the season. We had a catastrophic second half of the season, that’s a strong word but it’s the right word. We didn’t win any matches at home too, it is also to be underlined…”.

We had a catastrophic second half of the season, that’s a strong word but it’s the right word – Hélène Fercocq

Already planning for next season

Despite the uncertainty around the maintenance, on the side of the women’s DFCO we already have an eye on next season. The 5th in a row in D1, if the planets – and the results – are willing to align. “You have to anticipate, even if it’s complicated because maintenance is not mathematically achieved”admits coach Christophe Forest, who is ending his first season on the Dijon bench.

Anticipating, in footballing parlance, means preparing for the transfer window and recruiting… but also knowing who is leaving and who is staying in the current squad. “We only have three players who will still be under contract, there are about fifteen who will be at the end of their contract, details Christophe Forest, who will be extended in the event of maintenance, under an option in his contract. The players had proposals. We are waiting for their answers, it will be done within 15 days after the end of the championship..