Ligue 2: Rodez regains its principles

Two weeks later, the accident thesis holds the line. The heavy defeat of Rodez suffered in Caen (4-0) at the start of the season was well attenuated by the impressions left during the following meetings, the victory against Pau (1-0), a week ago, and the draw obtained in Dijon (1-1), Saturday. The shortcomings of the first outing gave way to a return to the fundamentals which have made the Ruthenians so successful for several years. And even if they are still capable of doing better, blood and gold have left the impression of progress in Burgundy.

In its collective behavior, the Aveyron team seems to have regained its defensive virtues, at least in large part. As against Pau, Joris Chougrani and his partners were able to close the spaces and conceded very few chances, while the defensive line was deprived of two of its usual captains, Julien Célestine and Pierre Bardy, both in delicacy with an ankle. However, the good dispositions displayed were not enough to preserve the inviolate goal of Lionel Mpasi. Aurélien Scheidler found the net following a situation poorly managed by Adilson Malanda and Amiran Sanaia, following a long touch, which had the gift of annoying Laurent Peyrelade, the coach. “It’s the only downside, he said after the game. Against a team of this caliber, it’s a free goal. “

The entrants were decisive

Beyond the defensive behavior, it is also in the game produced that the Ruthenians found themselves. Faithful to their habits, they have once again infused the punch that can knock out the opposing defenses, by rapid projections forward. Even if we have already known them more bleeding, they have raised the cursor in terms of intensity, especially during the last twenty minutes. “We played the game we wanted to play. Physically, I thought we were very good.”, appreciated Laurent Peyrelade, Saturday evening. The contribution of the newcomers, whose fresh legs brought dynamism, like a sharp Malaly Dembélé and a decisive Nassim Ouammou, counted for a lot in this increase in pace.

Not to spoil anything, the character was also there, as if to remind that the Raf can be this adversary difficult to tame, never resigned. The goal of Nassim Ouammou, at the end of additional time, logically came to materialize the highlight of his team at the end of the match. “He comes to reward a soul, and I like this idea”, noted the coach. More generally, this happy ending also proves that Rodez is finding its strengths and getting closer to what it can do best. “I was happy with what my team came up with and that they were rewarded, added Peyrelade. It must give confidence and desire to be better and erase our mistakes. “ And to confirm its progress, always following its principles.

On other fields: Paris FC starts strong

The start of the season for Paris FC has an air of déjà vu. Three matches, three wins, a pleasant game and a leadership position: the capital club had exactly the same record a year ago, at this stage of the season. After Grenoble (4-0) and Dunkirk (2-1), Le Havre (2-1) suffered the law of the club of the capital, Saturday, carried in particular by a very good Gaëtan Laura, author of a goal and d ‘a decisive pass.

“We’re not going to start looking at the standings today, otherwise it’s going to be a long season”, tempered coach Thierry Laurey after the meeting. Even though he was not in office last season, he certainly knows that the PFC’s strong start to the season a year ago, winning eight of their first ten matches, was not enough to make him promoted. in spring.

Will it be the same this time? Before knowing the answer, the Parisians are still asserting themselves as credible contenders, they who have a series of good results despite the arrival of a new coach during the offseason.

While Thierry Laurey pointed on Saturday “errors” and “a lack of efficiency“, the next meeting, against Auxerre, another Ligue 2 cador, will serve as a benchmark to better understand the value of his team.