The December Review - 2012/2013
"We look towards the end of the year with optimistic eyes, as we look to be top into the new year. Can we stay there over the winter break?"
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Ligue 1 – Matchday 16
FC Sochaux-Montbe 1 – 0 Stade Malherbe Caen
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“My god this was an awful game.
We put in a terrible shift, and had this been a more deadly side, we could have been put to the slaughter. In fairness to Caen, they tried their best, but one sneaky goal won it.
Privat was suspended for this game, so I started Maiga, who was awful, then put De Bruyne up front, which might have been worse, then out of desperation, put in the Southampton-bound Bakambu.
Luckiest goal you’ll ever see, might have even been offside. In the 14 games I’ve played him, he’s scored once, and has looked awful, even in this one.
Highlighted somewhere I need to look at in January though.”
Europa League Group H – Matchday 5
Hapoel Tel-Aviv 3 – 3 FC Sochaux-Montbe
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“We are through, but not without a couple of bumps and bruises in this one.
There were positives, three good goals, good work from players like Maiga, who is really fighting even though he may be out of the door, which is good to see. If he keeps this up, he will be 100% staying.
But, there were negatives, like hitting the woodwork three times in chances we should finish, and conceding three goals in most games is unacceptable. The defence will have to work harder next time out.
We are through, and are guaranteed top, so I’ll use the last game against APOEL to use youngsters and new ideas.”
Ligue 1 – Matchday 17
OGC Nice 3 – 0 FC Sochaux-Montbe
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“An absolutely horrendous display.
It started off okay, then Anin got himself sent off in the 8th minute, the 8th freeking minute! What in the ******* **** was he thinking!?
Then, we hit rock bottom, allowed the goals to flood, sat back and felt sorry for ourselves.
We need to pick up, and they know that they have shamed me today.
Ligue 1 – Matchday 18
FC Sochaux-Montbe 3 – 0 Stade Brestois 29
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“I’m glad we pulled the finger out and got a good result here.
2 goals from defenders is not always ideal, but we needed a big pick me up from the poor result against Nice, and this was ideal.
It’s a good three points heading into our final game of 2012, and we are still in top spot.
Europa League Group H – Matchday 6
FC Sochaux-Montbe 4 – 0 APOEL Nicosia
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“A great result for the second string lads, who put in a great performance here.
Good to see players like Prcic, Maiga and Brechet put in performance to make me think twice about selections, rather than making my job that bit easier.
Without losing a game in the group, we go into the next round full of confidence.
Ligue 1 – Matchday 19
AS Monaco FC 0 – 5 FC Sochaux-Montbe
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“A sensational win here that really puts into a great position before the winter break.
Some great performances from Boudebouz’s double to Martin’s incredible free-kick, we thoroughly deserved the three points and the five goals.
An excellent way to end the competitive matches for the year, the lads can be proud of their 2012.
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Review of December
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“Bar the blip against Nice, I’m very content on how the month has gone.
In the league, we have managed to be on top for Christmas and the New Year, and we have at least got a little cushion between us, Lyon and Marseille.
I’m glad to be in the knockout stages of the Europa League, as was the aim set by the board, and I will judge on the draw really how far I would see us going.
Player of the Month
Marvin Martin
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“I think, Marvin is probably the best player I will have the pleasure of working with.
Not only massively talented, vital to the team, but a natural leader. There is a reason he is practically captain in this squad now, and pretty much will be confirmed at the end of the season.
I can categorically say there is no amount of money that would prise Marvin from this club.
No amount.”
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