The promoted northerner is perhaps the team most affected in Ligue 2 by the coronavirus pandemic. Before the Dunkirk meeting against Valenciennes, last weekend, seven players were missing due to Covid-19. Edwin Pindi, general manager of the Dunkirk club, plays down the situation. “The question was never whether we were going to be hit. The question was rather when. We were lucky to have been spared for several months. But that is no longer the case.”, notes the manager.
And yet. Despite the absences, the Dunkirk people won (1-0) last weekend against the experienced team of Valenciennes in the North derby. A result which means that the promoted have still not known defeat this season. In three matches, Fabien Mercadal’s men have two wins and one draw. That three and not four, because during the third day, Dunkirk had not been able to move on the lawn of AC Ajaccio because of Covid-19.
“90% of people thought we were going to lose”
This match against Valenciennes with seven players less because of the Covid-19, can be a positive turning point for USL Dunkirk. At least, that’s what defender Demba Thiam thinks: “We celebrated because we were decimated. I think 90% of people thought we were going to lose or have a bad result. But we were able to show the opposite. What makes our strength is solidarity.”
Solidarity, team spirit, love of the jersey… So many expressions that have stuck to Dunkirk’s skin for several seasons now. Against all odds, the Dunkirk people want to continue this evening against Rodez. Training which, in values, looks a lot like the promoted Northerner.
From his past in Ligue 2 (57 matches, 7 goals in three seasons), he is one of the most anticipated recruits among newcomers to Rodez during the offseason. A muscle injury to a thigh during preparation delayed his first steps under the blood and gold tunic, but Papis Dembélé was finally able to start his season in Sochaux, last week (2-2), by replacing Ayoub Ouhafsa at the approaching the last quarter of an hour. After this entry into play, he should be tenured for the first time with Rodez, tonight. In a 3-4-3 pattern, the former Nancy should lead the Ruthenian attack alongside Ugo Bonnet and Alan Kérouédan, who has not yet been established this season.
Papis Dembélé
Since his return to Ligue 2, Raf has won only three times at Paul-Lignon, in nine games (also with two draws and four losses). Winner of Grenoble on the first day (1-0), he also beat Caen and Guingamp (2-1, both times) last season. Paradoxically, this record is less good than that displayed at the Toulouse Stadium (four wins, one draw, two defeats), where Rodez had relocated his first home matches last season.
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