How far can Strasbourg go? Surprisingly fourth in Ligue 1, Racing continues its high-flying performance, with its best total of points at this stage since the 1978-1979 season, at the end of which it was crowned champion of France. The Alsatians can even eye the podium, provided they continue on Sunday February 20 (3:00 p.m.) in Saint-Etienne.
With the fourteenth budget of Ligue 1, but a fourth place after 24 days, have the Strasbourg residents been smarter than their competitors during the last transfer windows? “The club did the maximum with its resources today and worked well”replied coach Julien Stéphan to the Latest News from Alsace in September. Struggling defensively last season, Racing brought in Lucas Perrin and Gerzino Naymsi to replace Stefan Mitrovic and Lamine Koné. The Alsatian club also recomposed its right flank with the arrival of the Polish Karol Fila and the return of Frédéric Guilbert.
️ Julian #Stephan : “At the start of the week, we set new objectives. The next one is to reach the 50-point mark to exceed the club’s points record since its return to Ligue 1.”#ASSERCSA pic.twitter.com/DAXBW9CSsE
— Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace (@RCSA) February 18, 2022
But the flagship rookie of the summer is called Kevin Gameiro, who arrived free from Valencia. The French international has already made a successful return to his training club, with nine league goals. He forms with Ludovic Ajorque (10 goals), Habib Diallo (8 goals) and Adrien Thomasson (7 goals), one of the most prolific attacks in Europe behind Manchester City. This quartet has a lot to do with the 46 goals scored in 24 days (2nd attack in the championship behind PSG), a record in the history of the RCSA.
Racing also brought fresh blood to the bench, with the signing of Julien Stéphan, for three years, last May. The former Rennais discovered “a group that did not have much confidence”a team undermined after a grueling season concluded by a maintenance at the last day.
The Strasbourg coach therefore set about “letting players think that they have more qualities than they can imagine”, as he confided before the match in Angers. A speech that has borne fruit since, nine months later, Strasbourg finds itself at the foot of the podium, displaying confidence in attack and great defensive serenity.
The RCSA, which remains on two meetings without conceding a goal, will face a new challenge in Saint-Etienne on Sunday. The Greens, in maintenance operation, have won their last three league games.