The latest information from AJA’s press conference before traveling to Le Havre on Sunday, April 5th (kick-off at 5:15 pm) can be found here. The match for the 28th day of Ligue 1 will be broadcast live on ICI Auxerre starting at 4:45 pm.
After their impressive victory against Brest (3-0) at the Abbé-Deschamps and following two weeks of international break, AJA will begin their “final sprint” on the field against Le Havre, who are in 14th place in Ligue 1, on Sunday, April 5th for the 28th day (5:15 pm). The Auxerre team, currently in 16th place and in the relegation play-off spot, will face struggling Normans, with four losses and one draw in their last five matches. The two teams are separated by five points in the ranking. This is a crucial encounter in the relegation battle.
Context: AJA is a French football club based in Auxerre, France. The team competes in Ligue 2, the second division of French football.
Fact Check: The match mentioned in the article was scheduled to take place on April 5, 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the sports calendar.
Effectif point:
Donovan Léon, after receiving a red card against Brest, is suspended for this match. The Auxerre goalkeeper will return next weekend at home against Nantes. All international players are back. Danny Namaso (Cameroon) returns from Australia. Clément Akpa (Ivory Coast) has a back injury but should be available. Similarly, Josué Casimir (Haiti), who suffered a minor injury, is expected to play. Good news regarding Oussama El-Azzouzi, coming off a full training week. On the other hand, Lasso Coulibaly remains in the infirmary, even though he has started individual training.
Christophe Pelissier, AJA coach:
“It would be nice to start this final sprint on a good note. We have everything to gain by going there. We showed that we were capable, especially in the last match, of being effective, which we lacked until now. We need to be optimistic in starting this final sprint and not think about the consequences of the result. I have confidence in my team to handle this pressure. We just need to focus on ourselves and our mindset to make things difficult for the opponent.”
“I expect an open match. The two teams are similar. Le Havre, especially at home, has put many opponents in difficulty, even big teams. They managed to win with ten men against Toulouse, like us against Brest. It’s a team with mental and athletic resources. Offensively, both teams (the worst attacks in Ligue 1) have not been rewarded. Defensively, we both work well. It’s an exciting match to play.”
Lamine Sy, AJA defender:
“We are frustrated by the results, but we are not resigned. We know there are seven games left, so seven finals. We will take them one at a time and give everything until the end to keep the club up. We are aware that the season is tightening. Mathematically, it’s still possible. We will give everything and try to recover as many points as possible.”
“With time, we gain more confidence, hoping to continue from the Brest match. We showed all our character and solidarity. If we keep it up, everything will go well. I try to defend well. Naturally, if I can contribute offensively, that’s what I like to do. I try to give my best for the team.”
