Stade Rennais - Saint-Étienne : A match preview from Saint Etienne
The Stade Rennais will host Saint Etienne on Saturday evening (19 :00) at the Route de Lorient, in the Ligue 1’s third gameweek. A couple of days from the game, a preview of Saint Etienne’s game against the “Rouge et Noir” with Eric, webmaster of the Saint Etienne fan site ASSE-live.com.
What do you make of Saint-Étienne’s activity on the transfer market?
As most of the clubs, Saint-Étienne has mainly trimmed their squad. All the player with an expiring contract have left. The club hasn’t received a single euro on the departures and spend money for one player only (Bocanegra from Rennes, for 165000 euros). There is no money at the club.
Can we expect to see more new recruits before the end of the transfer window?
The transfer window isn’t over. Three players have been asked to find their way out. Also, Matuidi will be sold if a good offer arrives, and Captain Loic Perrin still wants to leave.
What are the ASSE’s goals for the new season?
Dominique Rocheteau said the team has to target a position between 5th and 15th, quite a strange target. The club has got the 6th budget in Ligue 1, so a comfortable mid-table position has to be the aim.
After two seasons finishing 17th, the supporters hope not to live in the same fear again. Playing with the fire is the best way to get burnt, and end up being relegated in Ligue 2.
What is the general feeling in Saint Etienne after the first two game weeks?
The style is there, but only in phases. Generally, we can see some improvements but it can’t be thoroughly judged after only two matches. The ASSE is spectacular though, with 4 goals scored and 5 against already!
Regarding the players, some are already fit and doing well (Perrin, Landrin, Payet), some others are talented but not able to show their skills over a complete game (Sako, Guilavogui).
Your opinion on Carlos Bocanegra ?
At this moment, he only played one game, against PSG (lost 3-1), and saying he wasn’t good is a bit of an understatement. For the second game, he was just back from a match with his national team and the manager decided to rest him. He seemed to do rather well during the pre-season friendlies though.
Your predictions for this game?
I’d be happy with a 0-0
Thanks to Eric, webmaster of ASSE-live.com.
- Stade Rennais AS - Saint-Étienne, French Ligue 1 – Game Week 3, Saturday, August 21st, Stade de la Route de Lorient