Largely beaten by Troyes on Saturday (0-3), ASSE must bounce back in Rodez but the news is not encouraging.
AS Saint-Etienne is moving forward with doubt before their trip to Rodez. Corrected by Troyes at the Chaudron last Saturday (0-3), the Greens arrive weakened when facing one of the strongest teams in Ligue 2 at home.
Rodez, a fortress that scares ASSE
The trip is shaping up to be extremely complicated for ASSE. Already because the Greens have had a very poor record at Paul-Lignon with only one point taken in their last two visits in 2023. But above all because RAF is currently very impressive. Undefeated in 18 matches, Rodez has become a real machine this season.
At home, Didier Santini’s men are particularly formidable. Only Clermont and Pau have managed to win at Paul-Lignon this season, on September 19th and 26th. Very few teams can show such solidity. In Ligue 2, only Troyes, Le Mans FC, and Grenoble have also limited the damage at home with only two defeats. In other words, ASSE is arriving at one of the toughest stadiums in the championship at the worst moment.
Philippe Montanier very worried after Troyes
Beyond the statistics, it is especially the face shown by the Greens against Troyes that is very worrying. After the heavy defeat, Philippe Montanier did not hide his concern about the mindset of his group.
“When we are in difficulty, we can see that we lack leadership on the field. We quickly fade when things do not go in our favor, we need to work on that,” observed the ASSE coach. These strong words reflect a real character issue within this team.
A lack of rhythm that raises questions
Another worrying point highlighted after the match is the intensity shown by ASSE. Robert Malm, speaking to beIN SPORTS, particularly emphasized the lack of dynamism and insufficient pace imposed by the Greens against Troyes. In big games, ASSE currently seems unable to meet the physical and mental challenge.
Philippe Montanier himself acknowledged, “We also shouldn’t look for explanations elsewhere, our level was not good enough. In top matches like this, we need to make fewer mistakes and be at our level.” The observation is harsh.
A mandatory reaction for the Greens
With two rounds to go, ASSE cannot afford to collapse. Another poor performance in Rodez could further complicate their ambitions and reinforce doubts around the group. But given RAF’s current momentum and the mental difficulties shown by the Greens, the mission ahead seems particularly perilous. ASSE is facing a very tough challenge this Saturday evening.
AS Saint-Etienne’s end-of-season schedule:
02/05: Rodez-ASSE (33rd round of Ligue 2)
09/05: ASSE-Amiens (34th round of Ligue 2)
12/05: Ligue 2 Play-off (4th vs 5th)
15/05: Ligue 2 Play-off (3rd vs winner of 4th-5th)
21/05: First leg of L1-L2 Play-offs
24/05: Second leg of L1-L2 Play-offs
