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Are the Girondins already playing their chances of promotion, this Saturday (6 p.m.), during the 11th day of N2 at the undefeated leader Saint-Malo? With 19 games remaining in the championship, the question may seem premature. John Williams, the unofficial sports director, and president Gérard Lopez respectively wanted to play down the drama in front of the locker room on Tuesday and Thursday. But the choice of the moment of the passage of the second to Haillan, to address the players for the second time of the season and the 10 employees rescued from the social plan for the first time since… March 2022, however shows that the week is not not trivial.
Although not decisive, the stakes are real. In the event of success in a Marville stadium which promises to be windy, humid and boiling, the Bordelais would return to 5 points, with a match late. With the arrival of the Bretons at Matmut Atlantique on April 12, they would have their destiny in their hands. In the event of a setback, with 11 points behind, they will have to count on at least two more missteps from an opponent who has only left crumbs so far.
“The challenge excites the players but does not stress them: three months ago, they could not imagine it there”
“It’s an important match to position yourself,” said coach Bruno Irles. It will be a test to gauge ourselves, as we did against the second Saint-Pryvé (2-0, November 9). I will be able to assess what we have, and what we are still missing. »
“Giving yourself the means”
With 11 matches without defeat, four victories in the last five days of the Championship, the Girondins are no longer moving forward in disguise. It was not easy at the end of September with three points in four games and recruitment not complete. But the mayonnaise took hold humanely, Bruno Irles knew how to permeate a playing framework and the individuals put the team back where it wanted: in the lead car before a second part of the season where the group is expected at full capacity.
“The challenge excites the players but does not stress them. It’s still a long time. Three months ago, they didn’t even imagine themselves there, continues the coach. I’m glad they have ambition. Now they have to give themselves the means, on a daily basis and in a match like this weekend.” “A season is built. Little by little, we are building something,” says goalkeeper Lassana Diabaté.
Saint-Malo, solid leader
While President Gérard Lopez is looking for “partners” and has committed before the commercial court to provide one million euros by the end of December, the prospect of the N1 remains vital to make a ship where almost everything is attractive. to rebuild. Despite the record budget for the level, the name and the prize list, the Girondins have been sailing for three weeks without a goalkeeper coach or video analyst, a stewardship under reconstruction, a struggling reserve and the financial impossibility of day an 8th round of the Coupe de France in its stadium. This Friday, before hitting the road, it was assistant coach and former Croatian international Dado Prso who prepared the pasta.
This is the paradox. In N2 for 13 years, with a women’s team in D2F and a “B” leader in Regional 1, 2.9 million budget, 18 employees excluding players, more than 300 partners, 100 volunteers and a coach who has been fine-tuning for almost three n an athletic collective, Saint-Malo appears structurally more solid to move up. So, while waiting to be able to look further, as always for three years, the Girondins are banking on the field.
Sans Andy Carroll
The Girondins will have to do this Saturday without their supporters, whose presence the Ille-et-Vilaine prefecture has banned, and without Andy Carroll (suspended), involved in eight of their last nine goals in N2. “The game will be different. We worked on the animation to highlight the strong points of the players on the pitch,” says Bruno Irles. Faced with the Saint-Malo 3-4-1-2, solid and direct in play, the technician should opt for a 4-3-3 with midfielder Trazié and Depussay as relays to accompany the trio Bahassa – Merdji – Diallo.
The likely team: Diabaté – Bai, Yambéré (cap), Grillot, Trichard – Trazié, Louveau, Depussay – Bahassa, Merdji, Diallo.
**Given Bordeaux’s financial constraints and Saint-Malo’s strong organizational structure, how might this disparity in off-field support impact the long-term sustainability of Bordeaux’s promotion ambitions?**
## Interview: Girondins de Bordeaux’s Promotion Hopes
**Guests:**
* **Pierre Martin:** Football Analyst specializing in Ligue 2
* **Sophie Dupont:** Sports Journalist covering Girondins de Bordeaux
**Moderator:**
Welcome to the show today, Pierre and Sophie. We’re here to dissect a crucial moment for Girondins de Bordeaux as they face undefeated league leaders Saint-Malo this Saturday. Let’s dive into the headlines.
**Section 1: Significance of the Match**
* **Moderator:** Sophie, the article emphasizes the weight of this match. Is this a “must-win” situation for Bordeaux, considering the league table?
* **Sophie:** I think it’s more accurate to say it’s a significant opportunity. While a win wouldn’t guarantee promotion, it would undoubtedly put them in a strong position. A loss, however, could create a substantial gap to bridge.
* **Moderator:** Pierre, Bordeaux have had an impressive run recently. Do you see Saint-Malo as a particularly challenging opponent for them? How do you expect Bordeaux to approach the match tactically?
**Section 2: Momentum and Team Dynamics**
* **Moderator:** Both guests, the article speaks of Bruno Irles instilling confidence and ambition in the team. How has he managed to achieve this turnaround since the difficult start to the season?
* **Pierre:** It seems Irles has created a strong team culture and identified the right playing style for this squad.
* **Sophie:** Absolutely. This team has a newfound belief in their abilities, which is evident in their recent performances.
* **Moderator:** The article mentions the absence of Andy Carroll. How will his suspension affect Bordeaux’s attacking strategy?
**Section 3: Financial Uncertainties and Long-Term Goals**
* **Moderator:** Sophie, the article sheds light on the financial challenges facing Bordeaux. How do these concerns potentially impact the team’s performance on the field?
* **Sophie:** It’s a complex situation. While the playing squad is certainly talented, the lack of resources in other areas, like coaching staff and infrastructure, could be a disadvantage long-term.
* **Moderator:** Pierre, Saint-Malo, despite being a smaller club, appears well-structured. Could this disparity in organizational strength affect Bordeaux’s chances of promotion?
* **Pierre:** Financially and administratively, Saint-Malo may be ahead, but Bordeaux has the historical gravitas and a passionate fanbase. This creates a fascinating battle between established power and burgeoning ambition.
**Section 4: Looking Ahead**
* **Moderator:** Sophie, what’s your prediction for Saturday’s match, and how will this result shape Bordeaux’s path moving forward?
* **Sophie:** It will be a tough battle. A win would be a huge step towards promotion, but a loss doesn’t necessarily mean it’s over. This team has shown resilience and deserves our attention regardless of Saturday’s outcome.
* **Moderator:** Pierre, what advice would you give Bordeaux fans watching this crucial encounter?
* **Pierre:** Enjoy the ride.
This match represents an important chapter in Bordeaux’s story, but it’s just one game in a long journey.
**Moderator:** Thank you both for your insightful analysis. We look forward to seeing how this exciting match unfolds.
