With Mathis Magnin suspended, the defense of Raf must be rethought for the reception of Bastia on Friday, March 20th at 8:00 pm.
Event in Rodez: the composition of the defense will be reviewed. In the first 27 championship matches, Didier Santini only used two different trios based on his 3-5-2 formation, with adjustments made by Clément Jolibois or Loni Laurent to support Mathis Magnin and Raphaël Lipinski. They both have played every game until now.
This will no longer be the case as the Swiss player is suspended for the match against Bastia, against whom he scored a spectacular goal in the first leg. In his absence, Clément Jolibois will be placed in the center, a new position for him.
Adjustments will be needed, especially in ball distribution, where Mathis Magnin plays an important role. “We chose him because he can integrate into the midfield,” explains Didier Santini. “Clément will be Clément, not Mathis. I trust all my players, we will play with what we have and that’s very good.” This absence could also benefit Dylan Vangi, who is in the extended squad and still awaiting his first appearance in Ligue 2.
Despite this slight shuffle, the team aims to take advantage of playing the bottom team to confirm their good form. Undefeated in 13 games, they are now in the race for the top 5. “We don’t have the pressure to achieve something, so what we agreed on is to have fun, enjoy playing against the top teams. When we are without pressure, we are better,” says Loni Laurent. He also assures that they won’t underestimate the struggling opponent. “We know they will come with intentions, try to outplay us,” warns the defender. “We are told this will be one of the toughest matches of the season, so we are prepared.”
