Even Antoine Kombouaré, the Nantes coach, was there in his post-match press conference: ” Bordeaux scores, makes play, but they must first find defensive solidity “. The observation is clear and shared by all: Bordeaux conceded too many goals, far too many even. The defeat (5-3) in Nantes further argues this thesis.
A goal every 37 minutes
The statistics make your head spin. With 84 goals conceded in 34 league games, Bordeaux is, according to Opta, the worst defense of its last 40 years in Ligue 1. A statistic that should legitimately get worse since the Girondins still have four games to play: reception of Nice, trip to Angers, reception of Lorient and trip to Brest. Defensive passivity is worrying, Bordeaux conceded a goal every 37 minutes on average. Only one clean sheet has been recorded this season, it was in Lille three weeks ago. Prohibitive to try to exist in this Ligue 1 championship.
Men change, problems persist
And it is not for lack of having tried different formulas for coach David Guion. Changes of players almost every game, the repositioning of captain Guilavogui as central defender, nothing helps. Not even a change of goalkeeper. Pointed out for his last performances, Gaëtan Poussin gave way to Benoit Costil in the Girondin goal on Sunday in Nantes … but the sanction is the same, Bordeaux dark game after game defensively.
Adversaries in eternal confidence
This defensive feverishness has consequences and above all has the advantage for the opponents of constantly leaving them in the game. By leading 2-0 on Wednesday against Saint-Etienne in a match against a crucial direct competitor for the maintenance, Bordeaux conceded two avoidable goals to get their heads upside down and concede the draw (2-2).
On the Beaujoire lawn, facing Nantes, the scenario repeated itself, even amplified. Once again Bordeaux led 0-2, but due to a catastrophic start to the match conceded the equalizer at high speed, before sinking despite a burst from Kwateng which restored the advantage to the Girondins (2-3) . 5 new goals conceded and match scenarios that are far from escaping the opponents. Because yes Bordeaux is capable of the best offensively, but even when the break is made, the opponent can have the luxury of never doubting, as the defensive passivity of the Girondins leaves opportunities for the opponent, even when the score is acquired.
And since it’s already time to talk about statistics, Bordeaux have lost 28 points this season after opening the scoring. The ax therefore seems to be known in advance.