A clear assessment before the challenge
On the eve of hosting Olympique de Marseille, this Saturday at 5 p.m., Stéphane Le Mignan did not try to hide the reality. In a press conference, the FC Metz coach delivered a speech marked by lucidity and honesty: “We know it’s going to be very complicated.”
With only two points taken since the start of the season, Metz approaches this fixture with more worries than certainties. And the list of absentees doesn’t help: “Benjamin Stambouli is still out, Malik Mbaye is just starting back, Michel Mboula has relapsed and Ousmane Ba is suffering from groin pain,” detailed Le Mignan. A treatment room that sounds like a warning before facing an OM in top form.
OM, “a machine running at full speed”
Facing an opponent coming off three consecutive victories — against PSG, Strasbourg, and Ajax Amsterdam — the Metz coach has no illusions.
“OM today is a team capable of beating the biggest sides in Europe. They held their own in Madrid, beat Paris, and swept Ajax. They have one of the best coaches in Europe,” he admitted, admiring yet aware of the gap between the two teams.
For Le Mignan, it’s not about dreaming but resisting: “We’re going to defend a lot. Defending well also means knowing how to keep the ball. If we just sit back without reacting, we have no chance. We need to be patient and seize the few opportunities that come.”
Between lucidity and realism
The message is straightforward: “We know the season is going to be difficult. We’re going to fight to stay up. Whoever dreamed of the top 5 is a dreamer.”
A statement that sums up the team’s mindset: determined but aware of its limits. Le Mignan rejects false hopes and calls for unity: “The fans want results, that’s normal. But everyone is working toward the same goal. We all need to stick together.”
A team in search of character
More than tactics, it’s the mentality the coach wants to change. After a frustrating draw against Le Havre, he regretted the lack of reaction: “We lacked spark and energy. The players didn’t feel right in the game. It can happen, but we need to find that drive again, even if the opponent is stronger.”
Because beyond the standings, it’s the attitude that will matter this Saturday at the Saint-Symphorien stadium. “It’s not pleasant to be last, but we have to stay clear-headed. What we’re doing isn’t enough. It’s up to us to improve and be more solid.”
A colossal challenge against a conquering OM
Le Mignan knows what to expect: an OM confident in its strength, full of belief, playing with intensity and precision.
“When a team has just beaten PSG, put four past Ajax, and made Madrid doubt, you expect to suffer,” he admits.
But he keeps a glimmer of hope — the essence of football: “Anything is possible. We’ll need to defend well, be disciplined, and take our chances.”
Resist to exist
Metz approaches the match weakened, backs against the wall, but not resigned. Facing a Marseille side brimming with confidence, the Grenats will have to dig deep to avoid cracking. Le Mignan knows it: on Saturday, the slightest mistake will come at a high cost.
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