Football – Ligue 2. Quarter of the season, Caen is not far from its expected split times

Through Aline Chatel
Published on 9 Nov 20 at 17:37

–

Once the alert has been heard about how the Stade Malherbe Caen had “deviated from the objective” for lack of recruitment (the hoped-for players arrived a few weeks later), Pascal dupraz has always stood out for the consistency of his speech. “I did not come to Stade Malherbe to be 15th in Ligue 2.” He said it already last season, proclaiming his desire to join in the fight for the climb when the poor performance recorded by his predecessor suggested that the he essential was to save the furniture. With a reinforced workforce and similar working methods, Caen approached the 2020-2021 financial year with other legitimate claims despite certain shortcomings. After ten days, the Malherbistes are fourth in Ligue 2.

A good provisional balance sheet given the circumstances

Five wins, two draws and three defeats: this is the correct record recorded by the Normans when the quarter of the season has just been passed. “We are missing three points, observes Pascal Dupraz. But in view of everything that has happened since the start of the season – late recruitment, sale of the club, constant questioning… ”At one point in second place, and while the leader was for the moment flown, Caen is not choosy. But self-satisfaction is measured.

By dint of hard work, we only have 17 points. We hope that in the next ten games, we will score more points. Humbly, the goal is to score 20 points every ten games.

2 points per game? The direct climb.

Caen is running at 1.7 points per game when the objective is to reach 2 points. If they keep their current pace, the Caennais are almost sure to finish in the Top 5 and therefore play the playoffs at the end of the season. But if they managed to increase their average to the threshold set, it is direct accession – one of the first two places – which would extend their arms to them. However, the room for improvement is obvious, both collectively and individually. “Our recruits, like Yoann Court and Alexandre Mendy, are not yet at 100% of their possibilities. But these recruits are already bringing us something. Little Aliou (Traoré), you all saw that he had something. “

A good room for improvement

Estimated at “30% of its potential” against Nancy despite the victory, certainly happy, Stade Malherbe can hope to make up for the three missing points on its forecast in the ten games to come. Even if his dynamic is hanging by a thread, as evidenced by his two victories snatched in added time against Guingamp and Nancy. “This team will gain in confidence, underlines its coach. When the forms are balanced, when the typical defense will be back… For now, we are still tinkering. “

–