Gary O’Neil Faces Challenging Stretch with Strasbourg
Gary O’Neil, recently appointed as the head coach for Strasbourg, now faces an intense schedule in Ligue 1. He took over on January 7, following the departure of Liam Rosenior to Chelsea. His first match was a remarkable 6-0 victory against Avranches on January 10.
Upcoming Matches for Strasbourg
Strasbourg’s fixture list is demanding, featuring nine matches over a span of seven weeks. O’Neil’s immediate challenges include:
- Monaco in the Coupe de France on Thursday at 21:00
- Le Havre (away)
- Marseille (away)
- OL (home)
- Lens (home)
In his brief tenure, O’Neil has already faced various opponents including Metz, Lille, and PSG, struggling with mixed outcomes. Against PSG, despite having a one-man advantage late in the game at a 1-1 score, substitutions made too late allowed PSG to regain control and score another goal.
Adapting to Ligue 1’s Demands
O’Neil has noted that Ligue 1 is incredibly challenging, emphasizing its physicality and less predictable nature compared to English football. To address this, he has implemented a new tactical approach, favoring a 4-2-3-1 formation. This strategy involves a lower defensive block and reduced man-marking.
His style appears to be more cautious than that of his predecessor, and he acknowledges the need to enhance his game management skills. He kept promising players, like Julio Enciso, in critical situations to maintain their attacking threat but recognized the need for strategic substitutions.
Player Developments and Goals
January signings, including Aaron Anselmino, Datro Fofana, and Junior Mwanga, are expected to provide O’Neil with additional options as he aims for a top-six finish in Ligue 1. Moreover, strong performances in the Coupe de France and the Conference League are also part of his objectives for Strasbourg.
As O’Neil navigates this challenging period, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he adapts and evolves with his new team.
