President of RCSA, Marc Keller believes that Strasbourg “deserves” their victory against Mainz (4-0) on Thursday, which secured their spot in the semi-finals of the Conference League. Speaking on the After Foot show on RMC, the leader reflected on the journey that led them there.
A historic qualification. This Thursday, Strasbourg secured their place in the semi-finals of the Conference League by defeating Mainz at La Meinau (4-0). After being beaten in the first leg (0-2) in Germany, Racing achieved a remarkable feat to reach their first European semi-final.
President of Racing, Marc Keller was understandably thrilled after the victory. “It’s incredible. I was in Mainz a week ago, where we did well. We could have lost 3-0,” acknowledged the leader on the After Foot show on RMC this Thursday. “In the end, the players and the staff prepared for the match in an incredible way. I believed. I know that at La Meinau, sometimes magical things can happen. It’s a spring evening, people are happy, everyone is behind the team. I think we deserved this victory.”
At kickoff, Ben Chilwell was the oldest player for Strasbourg at 29. “Youth is a strength for us,” said Marc Keller. “We are moving forward, we have legs, we have a lot of energy. Sometimes, we lack a bit of experience. Tonight, we played a very good match against a Mainz team that was under pressure.”
“It’s a fantastic season for the club”
Close to playing in the Champions League this season, Strasbourg ultimately finished seventh in Ligue 1 in the previous campaign. “Honestly, I always thought that this Conference League was a first step for us,” reflected Keller. “It’s a very nice European competition. It’s perfect, we have traveled and played every three days. It’s a real learning experience for everyone, this season will benefit us.”
In the next round, Strasbourg will face the Spanish team Rayo Vallecano. “I am very happy for all the Alsatian fans. 14 years ago, we were in National 3, in National 2,” recalled the former player of the club. “We went through years in the amateur world after the liquidation of the club. We haven’t done everything perfectly, but the club is progressing.”
Owned by BlueCo since the summer of 2023, also the majority shareholder of Chelsea, Strasbourg has changed its status by entering the era of multiple ownership. “To be here, we needed support,” concluded Keller. “We try to do it as best as we can. Strasbourg is growing. We will also try to reach the final of the Coupe de France (the semi-final is on April 22 against Nice, Editor’s note). It’s a fantastic season for the club, the year when we reclaim the new stadium.”
