Metz (Ligue 1) – Graoully in short supply

Despite renewed strength in recent weeks, FC Metz can no longer move forward. The Mosellens have only scored once in the last five games (when they received Marseille, losing 1-2). This worrying result for the Grenats is perhaps due to a more cautious approach adopted in recent weeks, which does not seem to be working miracles for the moment. Metz is currently 18th in League 1with 22 points (like three of its competitors: Bordeaux, Saint-Étienne and Troyes).

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«  We have to keep our place in the first division and today, with the squad I have, it’s achievable “, these were the words of the coach Frederic Antonetti a few weeks ago. Indeed, with the end of CAN2021, the people of Lorraine have seen the return of some important players. However, the Metz group is still very limited in attack: FC Metz have scored less than one goal per game since the start of the season (25 out of the first 26 days). Recently, the difficulties in scoring are particularly flagrant, and this is explained by a more “cautious” composition, according to our colleagues from the Republican Lorrain.

The « Wunderwaffe » Boulaya was little seen in this match (oh not the only one, quite the contrary)

The concern is that it is indeed offensive miracles that Antonetti needs if he wants to hope for more than 1 point each game, even if defensively the problem is being resolved #FCMFCN pic.twitter.com/G8C6wenxBA

— The House of Garnet ☨ (@LaMaisonGrenat) February 28, 2022

Poor shape and lack of mark

Indeed, Frédéric Antonetti composes his midfield of players with a more defensive than creative profile recently, with Pajot Amadou and Sarr this weekend against Nantes (0-0). Long before the expulsion of Pajot (86th), the spectators could only attend a sad spectacle on the lawn, Metz having attempted 8 shots, all off target. This lack of chances is also due to an average performance of Farid Boulaya, who is almost single-handedly responsible for creating them. If « Boulaya-dependency » is a crucial factor in this offensive shortage, the absence of One hundred and eleven is also felt. In a 5-3-2 where the full-backs are extremely important, the former right-back of Clermont and Lens was directly involved in 5 goals for FC Metz this season (4 goals and 1 assist).

Thomas Delaineleft defender of the FCM, speaks about it better than anyone: It’s still very frustrating, especially at home.. We would all like to take the three points to escape from this area. I think there was probably room to do better […]. We did not manage to carry our actions to the end. So we didn’t create any big chances. » The assistant coach Benoit Tavenot knows it well, it will be necessary to take into account all these factors to best approach the crucial meeting of this weekend, against ASSE (19th): « If we are there, it is that we have not quite simply, individually and collectively. We have to find solutions”.

Source: The Republican Lorrain.

Photo credit: Philippe Lecoeur/FEP/Icon Sport