How far can Clermont go?
When will Clermont’s daydream end? If we ask the Auvergne supporters of Clermont Foot 63, they will respond with enthusiasm, a happy “never” with a broad smile. It must be said that no one had predicted such a high position for the club after three days (3rd behind Paris Saint-Germain and tied with Angers). But it is clear that the Blaugrana are reciting attractive, possession-based, forward-driven football, and which they are for now being rewarded for their efforts.
Dauphin de Troyes last season in Ligue 2, the Auvergnats spent the summer preparing for their debut in Ligue 1, both within the workforce and in its stadium which had to be brought up to elite standards. For supporters and residents of Clermont, this hype generated by the club deserves to continue. Surprising winners of Bordeaux (2-0) at the opening of the championship, Pascal Gastien’s men continued with controlled success (2-0) against Troyes, in a duel between promoted.
Finally last week, the Auvergnats returned to equality at Groupama Stadium against Olympique Lyonnais despite a delay of two goals ten minutes from the end (3-3). This success experienced as a victory for the players of Clermont, was not to the taste of the coach who pointed out the failings of his training against OL. “In the 1st half, we were pierced one after the other, like the 3rd goal, recalled the coach after the match. We cannot afford to be scattered like that. It’s a good lesson. » It was a crazy match, as I don’t particularly like them, because we didn’t master much. «
Beautiful people on the ground
This speech, as refreshing as it is interesting, demonstrates the club’s real ambition and breaks with the usual reluctance of the promoted. Clermont may not win all his matches, may not always play nice football, but we have to believe that the promoted joined the elite to show his ambitions and it is all to his credit. In the field, the Auvergne team has several excellent executives within its starting lineup. The porter Arthur Desmas has shown good things so far, Cédric Hountondji has just extended his lease until 2024 in the central hinge while Zedadka and Mendy have also shown their qualities.
In the midfield, Jason Berthomier, Jonathan Iglesias, Jim Allevinah, Elbasan Rashani are the spearheads of the club with Jodel Dossou, who has extended in recent days until 2024, and Mohamed Bayo. The only slight downside is the future of the last city. The striker pleases in Europe and could leave Auvergne in case of interesting offers. Apart from Bayo, leader in the scorers standings with three goals, the Auvergne system is perfectly well oiled and should not lose other elements in the future. Opposed this Sunday to FC Metz at the Gabriel-Montpied stadium, Clermont can try the four in a row.
