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“The 123rd derby in history between ASSE and OL resulted in a draw (1-1) and it’s finally quite logical. We can understand that the Lyonnais lived it badly by being equalized in the final minutes on the penalty spot but, on the scenario of the match, the sharing of points is logical. We saw two very different teams: Lyon and its technical superiority, Saint-Etienne with its weapons and a big heart. It had to be. The Stéphanois reconciled with their audience and played as the staff asked them: with energy and a lot of character. A character that had withered over the results.
Lately, we have been very critical of VAR and the reluctance of referees to use it. Me the first. We are not going to shy away from our pleasure to have seen François Letexier resort to it more than once by systematically making the right decisions. No offense to some Lyonnais (Jérôme Boateng in particular, Editor’s note), the derby was well run and it is largely thanks to the presence of a capable and competent referee corps who are attentive to their control unit. On this kind of matches, the video tool is not superfluous, but it must be used wisely as was the case on Sunday evening.
“Saint-Etienne has found Ryad Boudebouz”
Against Lyon, Saint-Etienne has found a typical team. Saint-Etienne has also found Ryad Boudebouz who is once again a choice. It’s good that experienced players can express themselves. We have criticized – sometimes rightly and sometimes wrongly – the staff for throwing too many young people at the same time and leaving seasoned players at home. Boudebouz responded, as Khazri did last year when he was sidelined. It is important to be able to rely on a few executives in this kind of period. Even if everything is not perfect, Saint-Etienne needs players like that to get by. The youth card, yes. But without experienced players around, it doesn’t work. We can also salute the state of mind of the Algerian international who has not let go or balked at making efforts despite being sidelined. It is a great proof of mental strength and professionalism.
For Claude Puel, this draw is important … Even if I don’t think he would have jumped in the event of a defeat. I do not see how the leaders, who do not run on gold, let us remember, could have separated from a coach with a salary that is still comfortable. Then, at the sporting level, I am not sure that a start would have been necessary. Unless you took a suitcase against OL and saw the players let go … Sunday, we saw a team with good will, opportunities, an efficient goalkeeper. I don’t see what more Claude Puel could have done with the means he has. What coach could do more with this squad? The only criticism we could make is to leave players as technical as Ryad Boudebouz and Wahbi Khazri on the side. Which was not the case on Sunday.
“This point is worth gold”
For ASSE, this point is worth gold. He can start the Saint-Etienne season. It’s a shame not being able to follow directly behind but we can also say that the international break is good for the Greens who will be able to recharge the batteries mentally and physically. It’s up to Stéphanois to recover well before attacking a series that will be decisive. As the reception of PSG does not arrive until the end of November, we can say that Saint-Etienne will start its championship with opponents more within reach. Now is the time to start winning to finally leave this last place in Ligue 1 … “
The ASSE chronicle by Denis Balbir
The 123rd derby between ASSE and OL gave rise to a very good football match with a draw torn from the forceps by the Greens at the end of the day. Our consultant Denis Balbir looks back on the Greens match, the good performance of the VAR and the case of Claude Puel.