“We would have three more points, that would be better,” concedes Sylvain Marchal, a little more reluctant to say that his team is navigating in troubled waters, as is suggested to him. Despite the disappointment at Prix-lès-Mézières (4-0 defeat) the previous day.
“The context was really special. All the lights were red,” describes the coach. “The state of the pitch was bad, a substitute came in to take a red straight away after an involuntary gesture. We miss the equalizer at 1-1. In short, it was a catastrophic scenario.” The FC Metz coach therefore seems ready to give up on this meeting provided he sees his team react. And the group has no intention of throwing in the towel so quickly in the season despite the prospect of upcoming clashes.
“The end of 2023 will be important,” warns the technician. “We worked hard to prepare for the upcoming matches against the training centers. We won an interesting friendly match against Progrès Niedercorn (Luxembourg) with a goal from El Foukhari.” A victory validated in the 92e minute and which brought immense joy to the players. “It’s proof that they are totally invested and that they need good vibes,” underlines the coach.
Could the stakes of the three upcoming games have a harmful influence on his foes? “The good thing about young people is that they are sometimes carefree and that can be a good thing in certain situations.” The U19s, still in the majority, will be supervised by three players who come from the pro group: Tchimbembe, Sabaly and Ibou Sané, while goalkeeper Lucas Pause returns from injury.
The group
Mirbach, Pause – Mélières, Demouchy, Divialle Corbière, Ourega, Lohei – N. Marchal, Tanguy Ahile, Bokele, Machine – Danhach – El Foukhari, Tchimbembe, Sabaly, Ibou Sané.
FC Metz (2) – RC Strasbourg (2), Saturday 15 h at Frescaty
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