“We are in a rebuilding season,” he often reminds us. “We are starting from scratch with a very young squad that is in a learning phase. So, it is not about rushing things.” With a sixteenth victory, this Saturday on the Cancon/Villeréal field (8th), the team is however moving straight towards a higher level. And, not insignificantly, by being able to win 3-0 in a match where they were not particularly brilliant.
“A new step,” as Felix Deteuf acknowledged at the final whistle. “We were not able to develop the football we usually play. But we knew we were going into hostile territory against a tenacious team and in front of a teasing crowd. Quietly, for a young team like ours, it was not a simple challenge to overcome, but they did it. As I always say, it is a new validated step.” While they showed a better performance in the second half, it must be admitted that the hosts also made their task easier in the first half.
“We are not going to talk specifically about football, tactical performance or technique in this match, but rather about the mindset,” was the coach’s conclusion. “From the beginning of the game, with a poorly executed back pass to Alexy Lagleyre (0-1, 9th minute). Then, repeatedly faltering on defensive transitions, offering spaces that the visitors did not exploit whenever they were in the opponent’s half. Even though Hugo Verse made the wrong choice when he was alone in front of the empty goal (22nd minute), and Benjamin Subra hit the post (31st minute), Alexy Lagleyre outwitted the goalkeeper to assist Marc Demeersseman for the second goal (0-2, 26th minute). At halftime, the outcome seemed clear, even though the lead was not extended.”
Better organized and more consistent, Gaël André’s men offered a more interesting response but remained sterile in the second half. Solid, the Casteljaloux team effectively managed delicate situations and operated on counters, albeit without much success. It took a beautiful control followed by a fine finish in the opposite corner by Alain Ayissi, to extinguish the last hopes of the hosts (0-3, 84th minute). “We are not going to talk specifically about football, tactical performance or technique in this match, but rather about the mindset,” the coach reiterated. “And in my eyes, it is a sign of a young team that is growing, as it knows how to adapt to different situations.” In short, a team with all the qualities to reach D2 in a few weeks.
