RC Strasbourg Faces Its First Challenge!

While Racing Club de Lens sits comfortably at the top of Ligue 1, Strasbourg is struggling significantly. Following heavy defeats against Stade Rennais and Lens, the Alsatian side recently suffered a third loss in their last five matches against Stade Brestois at Meinau. This defeat drops RCSA to 8th place in the standings, far from their European aspirations. This situation has prompted Liam Rosenior to raise his voice both in discussions and on the field.

Despite a commendable victory over Crystal Palace in the Liga Conference this week, the Alsatian manager was critical of his team. “We had complete control of the match. We played very well in the first half. I’m tired of repeating that my team needs to learn. Brest had some possession in our half, but they didn’t make any shots on goal, and we gave away a ridiculous penalty when there was no danger. It didn’t even change the momentum… I don’t want to talk about naivety or youth anymore. We are a team that plays in the upper half of the table. We need to learn now. Not theoretically, but practically, because we’re letting points slip away,” he stated.

Liam Rosenior’s Frustration

In his coaching decisions, Liam Rosenior did not spare anyone. Mathias Godo, who joined Strasbourg this summer, came on in the 57th minute but left the pitch with his head down when his name appeared on the board in the 84th minute. Rosenior explained: “My responsibility is to make the best choices at any point in the matches. At that moment, I thought we would be stronger with two forwards and two playmakers, which is why I brought on Sebastian Nanasi.”

“We’re not here just to learn! We have too much potential to let these matches and points slip away. We can have a great season, maybe even reach the top 4 (which is only 4 points away). We need to get started right now,” he added, echoed by Diego Moreira: “There are mistakes we cannot afford to make. We need to make better decisions in managing our matches. I feel like we say this every week. On (Hugo) Magnetti’s goal, I need to do better.” To chase their European dream, Strasbourg must elevate their game.