Rodez AF experienced a mixed weekend with a defeat at Metz and transfer rumours surrounding their striker. The Aveyron club holds 4th place in Ligue 2 with 7 points ahead of their next home fixture.
Why did Rodez lose at Metz?
FC Metz comfortably beat Rodez 4-1 on Saturday afternoon, as reported by Centre Presse Aveyron. The visitors, who had equalised through Corentin Issanchou, were overwhelmed by a hat-trick from Senegalese giant Pape Moussa Fall and a goal from Jessy Deminguet. The Rodez defence found no answer for Fall, a 2.03-metre forward who capitalised on several individual errors.
Didier Santini, the Rodez manager, acknowledged the mistakes made. "When you play a quality team with talented players, you can't make so many errors," he told BeIN Sports. Stand-in goalkeeper Lucas Margueron, playing due to the injury of first-choice Quentin Braat, could not produce a decisive performance to turn the tide.
What is the impact on the Ligue 2 standings?
This defeat comes as Rodez had shown a strong start to the season. The club now has a record of 2 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss after four matchdays, placing them 4th in the championship. With 10 goals scored and 7 conceded, their +3 goal difference remains an asset, though they trail leaders Saint-Étienne by 5 points. You can track the title race on our standings page.
Is Lorient interested in Ibrahima Baldé?
According to a report from africasoccer.com, FC Lorient is monitoring Rodez striker Ibrahima Baldé. The 23-year-old French-Senegalese forward has scored 5 goals in 4 Ligue 2 appearances this season, becoming a key part of the attack. Baldé joined Rodez from Lens in July 2024 and his contract runs until June 2028, meaning any transfer would require an agreement between the clubs.
His potential departure, if it materialises, would pose a major sporting problem for a squad already reliant on his goals. Rodez must now prepare for their next match against Grenoble on September 11th at the Stade Paul-Lignon. This home game against the 13th-placed side is a chance to bounce back, as shown in our fixtures schedule.
