President of RCSA, Marc Keller believes that Strasbourg “deserved” 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 manager reflected on the journey that led them here.
A historic qualification. On Thursday, Strasbourg secured their place in the semi-finals of the Conference League by defeating Mainz at Meinau (4-0). After a loss in the first leg (0-2) in Germany, Racing pulled off a great feat to reach their first European semi-final.
President of Racing, Marc Keller, was understandably delighted after the win. “It’s incredible. I was in Mainz a week ago, where we did well. We could have lost 3-0,” acknowledged the manager on the After Foot show on RMC on Thursday. “Ultimately, the players and the staff prepared for the match in an incredible way. I believed. I know that at Meinau, sometimes special things can happen. It’s an April evening, everyone is happy, and all are behind the team. I think we deserved this victory.”
At kickoff, Ben Chilwell was the oldest player for Strasbourg at 29 years old. “Youth is a strength for us,” said Marc Keller. “We’re 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 cornered.”
“It’s been a magnificent season for the club”
Close to qualifying for the Champions League this season, Strasbourg ultimately finished seventh in Ligue 1 last season. “Honestly, I always saw this Conference League as a first step for us,” Keller reflected. “It’s a very nice European competition. It’s perfect, we’ve traveled and played every three days. It’s a real learning experience for everyone, a season that will serve us well.”
In the next round, Strasbourg will face Spanish team Rayo Vallecano. “I’m very happy for all the Alsatian fans. 14 years ago, we were in National 3, National 2,” remembered the former club player. “We went through years in the amateur world after the club went bankrupt. We didn’t do everything perfectly, but the club is progressing.”
Owned by BlueCo since the summer of 2023, also the majority shareholder of Chelsea, Strasbourg has ascended under the multi-ownership model. “To be here, you had to be supported,” Keller concluded. “We’re trying to do it as best as possible. 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). It’s been a magnificent season for the club, the year we regain the new stadium.”
