Even if Rodez is still relegated, his victory at Niort (3-2) on Saturday improved his situation, both financially and mentally.
What if the dynamic were to be reversed? After eight games without a win in the league and a tumble to last place, the Ruthénois have considerably improved their accounting situation by winning at Niort on Saturday (3-2). In addition to putting an end to their bad series and winning with a direct competitor, Rémy Boissier and his partners left the red lantern to their rival and returned to two lengths from the first non-relegation player, Pau. Enough to strengthen their chances in the race to maintain, when starting the last third of the season.
“It was important to come back with a result to regain confidence”
recognized Didier Santini, the coach, after the meeting.
We will obviously have to wait for the results of the next few weeks to know what meaning to give to the success obtained in Deux-Sèvres, between the starting point for renewal or a simple epiphenomenon. But still, this performance obtained in pain has everything to mark a turning point.
“The scenario of the match shows the character of my players”
First of all because it allows to sweep away some doubts, and especially to drive out the hypothesis of a disastrous week. Four days after the worrying setback against Bastia (2-0), the Ruthénois were upgraded to Toulouse (6-1), in the Coupe de France, a competition which had given them the only satisfactions of the start of the year. To follow up with another setback against a direct competitor would certainly have caused a lot of headaches, but Rémy Boissier and his partners have proven their ability to raise their heads after the slap in the face from the Stadium.
Then, beyond the accounting improvement, the performance against the Chamois contained certain aspects that have often been lacking in blood and gold in recent weeks. Although not everything was perfect, they were selfless in overcoming the odds, turning the tide in their favor twice. First by taking the lead in the first period after conceding the opener, then by scoring the winning goal at the end of the match during which they were very close to faltering. “The scenario shows the character of my players. They have temperament, know how to stay together and play the game thoroughly. It feels good”appreciated Santini.
