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Strasbourg’s recently-appointed President Philippe Ginestet is counting on “the determination of the players” to get the club out of relegation trouble.
Last weekend’s 2-1 win over Nancy was the club’s first success of a difficult campaign, and lifted them off bottom spot in the Ligue 1 standings.
Ginestet, who arrived a fortnight ago, refused to take any credit for the win, saying: “It’s a coincidence. They could have won matches before my arrival.
“But it’s a great relief and a great source of encouragement for everyone - the players, the coaching staff and the fans, who have been exemplary since the start of the season.”
Strasbourg remain seven points away from a position of safety, and the new President admitted that survival is a crucial part of his long-term plans.
“I want Strasbourg to be a strong force in French football,” he explained. “For that to happen we have to avoid relegation.
“Our chances are 50-50. The determination of the players will be key. It will be difficult. We need our players fight continually and refuse to go down. I have confidence in them.”
Strasbourg take on Red Star Belgrade in the UEFA Cup tonight, knowing they are already through to the last 32.
But the club’s European form is of little consolation to Ginestet, who said that he would swap a decent UEFA Cup run for Ligue 1 survival “without hesitating”.
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