Strasbourg, an all-out attack

In the east, there is something new. After 5 years of good and loyal service, Thierry Laurey left to take charge of Paris FC. It was like the end of the cycle for the one who brought Strasbourg back to Ligue 1 (2017) after winning Ligue 2, then lifting the Coupe de la Ligue in 2019, making it possible to return to the European Cup 13 years later. The last season was trying, the maintenance obtained narrowly. Mental weariness had ended up taking over a group, especially as human relations were not always easy with the technician.

Marc Keller chose Julien Stéphan to take over. The former international striker (6 caps, 1 goal) offered his new coach a rather successful transfer window between a brand new defense (Simakan, Mitrovic and Koné left to bring in Le Marchand, Perrin and Nyamsi) and a rookie “star “: Kevin Gameiro. At 34, the club’s kid returned 13 years after leaving. Author of 4 goals in 14 league games, the former player from Valencia and even Atlético is making an encouraging start, but it is in reality the whole Strasbourg attack that is in great shape.

2nd best attack in Ligue 1

The large victory acquired against Bordeaux in the middle of the week (5-2) testifies to the offensive impetus offered by the Alsatians. Better yet, they join Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Hoffenheim as the only teams to have managed to score five goals in two league games, and display the best attack in Europe at home (23 goals) in company. of the Bavarian ogre. 2nd best attack in Ligue 1 (with 31 goals, behind PSG and its 35 achievements but in front of Lens, 29 pawns), Racing has only had two games without scoring since the start of the season.

Currently in a series of 5 matches without defeat (13 goals scored), Strasbourg occupies an unexpected 6th place in the league, in addition to offering a spectacle on the ground. “The big positive point are the ideas that the team was able to generate in the offensive area. That is very good. (…) There have been various goals with movements. This is very interesting. There were other possibilities to score more. It’s three additional points, 5 goals scored, joy and pleasure shared with everyone at the stadium ”, lists the measured Stéphan after the victory over Bordeaux.

Several offensive weapons on hand

Strasbourg scores a lot thanks to the plurality of its fine triggers. Ajorque (8 goals in 15 matches), Diallo (15 games, 7 goals), Thomasson (14 outings, 5 goals) and Gameiro have scored 77% of their team’s goals. In other words, the danger is multiple and the atmosphere is good, as evidenced by this flower offered by Ajorque to Gameiro by letting him take the penalty against the Girondins. “Ludo felt that Kevin needed it (Gameiro missed his attempt against Reims on November 21), confirms Stéphan. That sums up a lot of things about this locker room, this mentality in the team. “

A tight-knit locker room with a strong character because once again after Nantes, while Racing was reduced to ten, Reims, Monaco and therefore Bordeaux, the Alsatians managed to come back to score and not lose. Carried by an overall euphoria, the club will nevertheless have to correct certain defensive shortcomings, especially as a trip to Nice and the reception of Marseille are looming. “In Nice, it will be necessary to defend better, to be more efficient at the level of the team block. (…) I know that in Nice if we are not better defensively, things will happen to us ”, prophesies the former Rennes coach.

And now ?

More thuriferous, La Meinau wants to dream. The audience even repeated with envy: “Tonight is the European Cup! Tonight is the European Cup! ” It must be said that with this state of grace, anything goes despite a very tight classification, but it should be remembered that 6th place is synonymous with qualifying for the Europa Conference League at the end of the season. “We don’t calculate, we give our all, supports Captain Liénard. We can at least enjoy it until Christmas! “ And why not more because until April, the calendar is rather favorable to Strasbourg residents.