Jean-Louis Gasset: "Finish strongly"

Do you believe ASSE was lucky against Montpellier?

It’s not luck having a good goalie or to play well defensively! In Montpellier, we had several opportunities to increase our advantage but our victory was not due to luck. It’s because the team had a good state of mind. You can’t forget that none of the large clubs managed to win at La Mosson. We did what was necessary to win.

After this victory, you gave your players three days to rest. Why was this break necessary?

The players needed to rest after Montpellier, it was a tough match physically and psychologically. Given the effort that they made, the players had to let their hair down and we needed that too. They had the time to go relax with their families.

How did your week go since the team started training again, last Tuesday?

The team just completed a personalised week of training due to small, muscular problems that players were experiencing. Today, everything is practically back to normal. Except for Vincent Pajot and Oussama Tannane, everyone is back to 100%. Loïc Perrin is operational. Jessy Moulin will test his capabilities tomorrow.

What do you think about ASSE’s impressive, undefeated streak since the Christmas break?

When I took over the team, it was a puzzle to do so with the new players. Since they arrived, we haven’t lost a single match. We haven’t always been good but we always knew how to respond to the challenges that we’ve faced.

Are you most satisfied with the state of mind and the atmosphere that permeate your team?

They’re very important but it’s the results that create the great atmosphere. The players know that there are only three matches left. The most seasoned players know that we’re close to the goal. We have to make sure that the last matches in Saint-Etienne are real celebrations. People enjoy our matches, we see it. Everywhere we go, we’re warmly welcomed, many players have got their simile and their confidence back. Winning the public back over was my leitmotif. Even if we’re not always aesthetically pleasing, we can’t be reproached in regards of our desire to win. The clearest sign of this was when Mathieu Debuchy was applauded after having scored against his own team when we played PSG. People felt that we played how we had to against such a team.

The Verts have gone from the hunters to the hunted. Does this status modify your situation?

That could change things but the players want to finish the season strongly. To finish the season with an undefeated streak that spans 17 matches would be extraordinary. The players want to follow through and make history.

In your opinion, how many points do you have to earn in order to qualify for the Europa League?

I can’t tell you that. All the matches are difficult, many teams are still in the process of attaining their objectives. If we take six points on our home turf, we’ll have 58 points. In order to overtake us, our adversaries will have to perform extremely well.

Yesterday, you met Aimé Jacquet during the charity concert organized by ASSE Coeur-Vert. What did he say concerning your team’s exceptional journey?

I have a great relationship with Aimé Jacquet who I knew in Montpellier. He’s a great man, a world champion who has always been humble. He’s an example for all coaches. He told me that we were in the middle of doing something extraordinary.

What do you think of the fact that Robert Beric scored six of his seven goals in the Cauldron?

His presence close to the net is important when we’re dominating the game. By the end of the season, I think Robert Beric will have scored a dozen goals. I would have been happy if they told me that in January. He’s really doing well the job. Robert has a great mentality, he’s very nice to train. He’s conscious of the fact that he can do more at times but what he does suits me just fine.

What do you think of the conquering discourse of the Bordelais after their victory against Dijon?

It’s the logical discourse of a coach but they’ll have to face the balance of power in the Cauldron. My players strive for excellence. Being undefeated and wanting to remain undefeated after the last three matches is an additional source of motivation. If we don’t play as well during these next three matches it’ll be because we’re worn out but I hope that the week will have been beneficial.

How must ASSE play to defeat Bordeaux?

We know Bordeaux’s strong points: Malcom, Kamano, Braithwaite, De Préville or Laborde but it’s above all our ability to find once again our Football that will be the determining factor of the outcome. And the game will also be sold-out. I’m happy, I can tell you that, I came here for that: to get to know the club and the stadium.