Gary O'Neil must learn fast as Strasbourg tackle gruelling run | OneFootball

Gary O'Neil was thrust into Strasbourg’s dugout a month ago and now faces a punishing run, with Monaco in the Coupe de France on Thursday at 21:00.

According to L'Équipe, he took charge on 7 January after Liam Rosenior left for Chelsea, then within 48 hours flew with his new squad to Avranches for a 6-0 win on 10 January.

Since then came Metz 2-1, Lille 4-1 and PSG 1-2, before trips to Le Havre and Marseille, then home games with OL and Lens. It amounts to nine matches in seven weeks.

He says Ligue 1 is demanding, highly athletic and less structured than England, and views the step as a valuable experience. He has installed a 4-2-3-1 with a lower block, less man marking and a different press.

More cautious than Rosenior, he knows his game management must sharpen. Against PSG, with a man advantage late at 1-1, two attacking changes came at 83 and 90+4, by then the visitors had scored again.

He said he kept Julio Enciso on for his threat, but felt PSG were taking control, so introduced Rafa Luis to steady midfield. The 20-year-old, on loan from Benfica, was culpable on Lille’s goal and then slow to track Nuno Mendes for the 81st-minute effort.

January additions Aaron Anselmino, Datro Fofana and Junior Mwanga should broaden his options as Strasbourg chase a top six finish and good runs in the Conference League and Coupe de France.

Source: L'Équipe