Half-hearted preparation. This Friday evening, for the sixth and last friendly match before resuming the National, US Orléans was held in check by Bourges (1-1), who plays in N2. The balance sheet of the preparation: two victories, two draws and two defeats. “This match is a reflection of our preparation, we are still looking for each other a little, summarizes coach Xavier Collin. We would have liked to put more intensity and commitment.”
Six starting rookies
At kick-off on the lawn of the Stade de la Source, six new players like goalkeeper Vincent Viot or right piston Brandon Agounon. The opener came precisely from the latter. The former Bourg-en-Bresse player sent a marvelous cross for the header from striker Esteban Lepaul (27′, 1-0). Bourges responded a few minutes later with a header from Edwin Maanane (36′, 1-1).
“We have to settle the last details between the defensive balance where we conceded a lot of goals in the preparation (11 in six games) and the attack where we feel that we are able to score at any time”, analyzes Xavier Collin. For National’s first game on Friday August 12, the Wasps will face a big piece with Concarneau, 4th last season.