Defence a major worry for AS Saint-Etienne – http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Robert-c31222 Herbin
AS Saint-Etienne legend Robert Herbin has pointed out that Les Verts’ abysmal defensive showing in the 2011/2012 campaign might hurt the club a lot as the season wears on.
The 72-year-old football pundit diagnosed the last game between ASSE and Lorient and concluded that the defence needs great attention. In an interview to French publication, Le Progress, the former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Olympique-Lyonnais-c40130 coach was quoted saying, “We need to
strengthen our defence as we have conceded too many goals too early in the season.”
The Former Les Verts coach said that though lack of experienced defenders might be the reason of conceding nine goals in six games, it cannot be an excuse to explain their shortcomings. “[Saint-Etienne] are vulnerable in the back as there are many openings
between the lines.”
The Paris-born believes that goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier cannot be blamed for goals conceded in the 3-0 loss against Les Merlus. The former French tactician sees lack of leadership in the ranks of the Rhone club since the injury of Loic Perrin. “He [Perrin]
is not a bad leader, he runs the show. [Now] there is no one to discipline the team.”
ASSE have lost three consecutive games in 2011/12 Ligue 1 Championelle and have conceded three goals in the last two matches; a sign of urgent attention required in the back line.
Saint-Etienne defender http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/AJ-Auxerre-c38247 man was quoted as saying “There is no question of hiding behind the fact that there
are young people in the team, or talk about the absence of the injured or suspended.”
The Rouen-born believes that the team will be in much better shape with a few experienced players in the squad. Les Verts are currently in 12th place in the Ligue 1 standings and face an in-form http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Toulouse-FC-c40751 in Week 7 of Ligue 1.
ASSE will have to work hard especially in the defence to counter Les Pitchouns as the Haute-Garonne-based club have already scored ten goals in 2011/12 Ligue 1 Championelle.
Robert Herbin was the last coach who guided Les Verts to the Championelle almost two decades ago and the Frenchman would be hoping to see his beloved side’s fortunes change in coming weeks of the Championnat.
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