Angers have reached the first home test that already feels heavier than its place in the calendar. After being beaten by Lille and Rennes at Stade Raymond-Kopa, Stéphane Gilli’s side host newly promoted Troyes on Saturday night, with kick-off scheduled for 20:45, looking for the result that can set their Ligue 1 campaign moving.
Angers seek a first home response
The Anjou club lost 2-0 to Lille and then went down 2-1 against Rennes, two opponents with European ambitions. Gilli now wants a sharper edge from his team when Troyes arrive for the fifth round of the season.
“At home, we have to be a little more ruthless,” the Angers coach said.
Angers took a point from their last outing, a goalless draw at Le Havre, but the performance underlined the issue troubling Gilli. His players entered the final 20 metres with possession on 42 occasions, yet managed only one shot on target.
The coach has asked for more immediate decision-making around the penalty area. “We need to be a little more spontaneous in attack,” he said.
Belkebla could return
Gilli may also have Haris Belkebla available again. The midfielder underwent thigh surgery at the end of July and is now potentially fit enough to be selected.
With Troyes visiting as a promoted side, Angers see an opportunity to turn encouraging territorial spells into goals and finally claim a first league victory in front of their own supporters.
