Winner twice last season at the Stade Malherbe, Olivier Echouafni’s QRM hopes to make the Caen neighbor relapse in his garden in Ornano. ©Damien Deslandes
A year ago, QRM – credited with only one victory on the clock at the time (for four defeats and as many draws) – launched its championship by winning at d’Ornano, at the expense of Stade Malherbe ( 1-0). Among its ranks was a certain Syam Ben Youssef; On this occasion, the Tunisian international had his baptism of fire under the Normand “Sang et Or” jersey. In a wink of fate, it is against his former club that the new number 5 of the “Rouge et Bleu” should play his first minutes this season after having suffered a nasty sprained ankle during preparation against … Quevilly! Without Syam Ben Youssef, who moved to the opposing camp during the summer, Olivier Echouafni’s team would see themselves doing the same thing.
If the championship is a little more advanced (we are preparing to compete in the 14e day even though it was the 10e last season), QRM is in an accounting situation comparable to that of the previous year: 18e three points from the first non-relegation today, 19e two lengths from 16e 13 months ago. “We expected to suffer at the beginning but not as much anyway”wonders the southern technician, amputated 60% of his eleven type during the transfer window (Nicolas Lemaître, Kalidou Sidibé, Mamady Bangré, Issa Soumaré, Louis Mafouta). “However, we managed to work on recruitment in advance. I even found that we were ahead of the season before”.
“By coming back with a point from Amiens (J1), by remaining solid until the end, we would have started a dynamic”
Olivier Echouafni
But by losing at the end of stoppage time in Amiens (1-0), for the kick-off of this Ligue 2 more uncertain than ever, Garland Gbellé’s teammates suffered a big blow to the back of the head. “This match left a lot of scars. It was difficult to take. By coming back with a point, without conceding a goal, by remaining solid until the 94th minute, we would have started a dynamic. In the end, we ran for a while before opening our meter”analyzes the former Marseille, Rennes and Nice midfielder who had to wait until the 4e day and the reception of the Laval leader before seeing his team glean its first point (0-0, August 26). “However, our performances were rather satisfactory, some really good, but we were not rewarded because of our mistakes, which had already cost us dearly last year”.
On a positive dynamic with eight points out of 15 possible
Except that for a month, with eight units out of 15 possible over this period including three against Rodez a week ago (J13. 3-1, November 4), Quevilly-Rouen presents a much more competitive face. “Our dynamic is better, just like our points ratio. In any case, we couldn’t do worse. We found a little momentum and above all a good breath of fresh air after our last victory. The group, staff and club were rewarded because when the results are not there, we go through complicated times“does not hide Olivier Echouafni who has activated different levers to energize his collective “whether on the system (change to 4-4-2)on the choice of men, on daily exercises and also off the field by seeking cohesion”.
“We are prepared to fight to the end, where others are not”
Olivier Echouafni
However, this building remains fragile, as evidenced by this setback against Annecy, at Diochon (J12. 2-1, October 28). “This defeat hurt us because the week before, we had managed to equalize in the last seconds at Guingamp in a match that we could have, should have won (J11. 2-2, October 21). I said to myself: “There’s a real click there.” But behind, we didn’t manage to continue. This is why I don’t want to project myself too much.”, announces the former coach of the Bleues. Regardless, that QRM is fighting for its survival in Ligue 2 will surprise no one, starting with those first concerned. “It requires specific characteristics. We are prepared to fight to the end, where others are not”.
Like Stade Malherbe? “I do not consider for a single second this team as a direct competitor for maintenance. There is a quality squad, with strong individuals, a scorer (Alexandre Mendy)or even two with (Mickaël) The Bihan. They all have: experience, youth, talent…”is full of praise for Olivier Echouafni even if the week has not been easy on the “Rouge et Bleu” side with the dismissal of Jean-Marc Furlan and the interim provided by Patrice Sauvaget. “It’s still quite surprising to see this change of coach given their start to the season (four consecutive successes, no goals conceded). Of course, we don’t have the same objectives… Now, everyone has their own problems. Let’s stay focused on ourselves.”. Twice winner of the SMC last season, the Queville technician could see himself creating further torment in neighboring Caen.
> L2. J14 – SM Caen (12e – 15 points) / Quevilly-Rouen Métropole (18e – 10 points), Saturday November 11 at 7 p.m. at the Stade Michel-d’Ornano.
#Stade #Malherbe #rely #QRMs #relegation #status #Foot #Normand
/nginx/o/2023/11/11/15713072t1h4189.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1)
