US Avranches Faces Immediate Test Against Bordeaux in National 2 Opener – A Season of Ambition Begins
Bordeaux, France – August 16, 2024 – US Avranches kicks off its National 2 campaign this evening with a daunting trip to face footballing giants Girondins de Bordeaux. This isn’t just another match; it’s a statement of intent from a club undergoing a significant transformation under new manager Cédric Hengbart. For fans following French football, and those seeking the next rising stars, this match – and the season ahead – promises drama and potential. This is breaking news for followers of the National 2 league, and a crucial moment for US Avranches as they aim for promotion.
Hengbart’s Project: A Bold Approach to National 2
Cédric Hengbart, recently arrived from Normandy, isn’t shying away from a challenge. He’s implementing an ambitious “game project” centered around quick decision-making and building play from the back. While this style carries inherent risks – evidenced by past goals conceded from ball losses – Hengbart is adamant about minimizing those dangers. “The objective of my reminders is to take zero risk,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of intelligent choices and swift transitions. This philosophy, a hallmark of modern football, aims to create numerical advantages and dictate the tempo of matches. Understanding the nuances of this approach will be key to US Avranches’ success.
Key Recruits and the Veteran Presence of Jordan Adéoti
The club hasn’t been idle during the transfer window. The arrival of Steevy Mazikou, a 21-year-old left piston, adds depth to the squad, while the signing of veteran Jordan Adéoti is arguably the most significant. Adéoti, with an impressive 359 professional appearances including 87 in Ligue 1, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the Manchois locker room. Hengbart is counting on Adéoti to not only control the midfield but also to mentor younger players and instill a winning mentality. “I wait for them to delay the rhythm, that they set foot on the ball, that they manage the tempo of a match…” Hengbart explained, highlighting the crucial role Adéoti will play.
A Grueling Early Schedule: Gauging Ambitions Against Top Contenders
The opening weeks of the season present a formidable test for US Avranches. Following the Bordeaux clash, they face a series of matches against other teams vying for promotion, including Saint-Malo, Angoulême, and La Roche-sur-Yon. Hengbart views this challenging schedule as an opportunity to quickly assess his team’s capabilities. “Once these seven games have passed, we will know or not if we are able to compete with the big ones,” he said. This early gauntlet will provide a clear indication of whether US Avranches can truly challenge for a top-five finish, a goal Hengbart believes is within reach.
Transfer Window Updates: Holding onto Key Assets
While bolstering the squad with new signings, US Avranches has also been resolute in retaining its key players. Despite interest from other clubs, Idrissa Seydi and Zourab Sopromadze will remain with the “Blue and White” this season. This stance, somewhat unusual in National 2, demonstrates the club’s commitment to building a stable and competitive team. However, Sopromadze’s availability for the Bordeaux match remains uncertain due to a knee injury sustained during pre-season preparation.
The Full Squad: Ready for Battle
Here’s a look at the US Avranches squad gearing up for the season:
- Goalkeepers: Anthony Beuve, Keny Bertheaume, Nathan Bisson, Alexandre Marfaing
- Defenders: Emeric Dudouit, Damon Bansais, Elhad Boinali, Pierre Bourdin, Baye Mbaye, Paul Terrien, Sacha Delestre, Martin Le Gendre, Steevy Mazikou, Nassim Sabihi
- Midfielders: Jessy Pi, Charles Boateng, Elouan Labadie-Vincent, Romain Pigouchet, Killian Gesnier, Jordan Adéoti, Anas Lamrabette, Zourab Sopromadze
- Attackers: Idrissa Seydi, Ali Dicko, Shahin Cissé
Tonight’s match against Bordeaux isn’t just about the three points; it’s about setting the tone for a season filled with ambition and potential. US Avranches, under the guidance of Cédric Hengbart and spearheaded by the experience of Jordan Adéoti, is ready to make its mark on National 2. Keep up with all the latest French football news and analysis right here on archyde.com, your source for breaking sports coverage and in-depth team profiles.
