Rodez face major test at Saint-Étienne after three straight defeats

Rodez Aveyron Football faces a critical period after a third consecutive Ligue 2 BKT defeat, losing 3-4 at home to Nancy on matchday seven. This poor run, yielding just one point from the last four games, leaves the club 14th in the table with seven points, nine behind leaders Saint-Étienne, their next opponent.

Didier Santini's side endured a chaotic match at the Stade Paul-Lignon, a ground known for being tough for visitors. Nancy opened the scoring early through Ilyes Housni (4th minute), before an own goal brought Rodez level (7th). Raphaël Lipinski then put the hosts ahead with a free-kick header (20th). But the Ruthénois defence collapsed after half-time, conceding three goals in under half an hour from Pape Meïssa Ba (47th), Nehemiah Fernandez (51st) and Ba again (74th). Jean Lambert Evan's had temporarily drawn the sides level (59th). This goal-fest takes Rodez's goals conceded this season to sixteen, the worst tally in Ligue 2.

Goalkeeping Turmoil

Stability at the back has vanished. First-choice keeper Quentin Braat remains injured. His replacement, Lucas Margueron, was dropped after several errors. That handed a first Ligue 2 start in two and a half years to usual third-choice Enzo Crombez. The goalkeeper, in his coach's words, "has not been helped" by his defence on the late goals. Didier Santini acknowledged Margueron was "less well mentally". The centre-back pairing of Laurent-Magnin-Lipinski, ever-present for the last 15 matches, is not performing at last season's level, compounding the issues.

Santini praised the work of youngsters like Dylan Vangi or Mohamed Sylla as potential options but warned against rushing them in. "We are not in a good place right now, we have to admit it," he said, adding, "Defensively, we were not up to the mark, particularly in our aggression." The coach admits the team "has a lot of ground to make up compared to last season" after a promising start that included a big win at Nantes (5-2).

Saint-Étienne Awaits After the Break

The three-week international break, longer than usual, comes at the right time. The squad will train in Vabre to try and "get back on track". The schedule is merciless upon return, with a trip to face leaders Saint-Étienne on the weekend of October 9th and 10th for matchday eight. The challenge is huge for a team that has conceded nine goals in its last three defeats, against Metz (4-1), Grenoble (1-0) and now Nancy. Fans can check the team's latest stats and the Ligue 2 standings ahead of the clash. Rodez will therefore face unbeaten league leaders ASSE at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on October 10th.

Background and full detail: La Dépêche du Midi