Laval revive survival hopes as unity underpins four-match unbeaten run | OneFootball

Laval are out of the relegation places after Monday's 2-0 win at Dunkerque, which extended a four-match unbeaten run and revived their survival bid. L'Équipe highlights unity from boardroom to dressing room as the catalyst.

Didier Santini's Rodez visit on Friday night to face a transformed Stade Lavallois. The Tangos had been in trouble since matchday 16, but on Friday morning they occupy the play-off spot, four points clear of Bastia and Amiens and two off Clermont in 14th and Nancy in 15th.

Directors, players and staff have stuck together through headwinds and 13 draws. They went the first 13 home matches at Francis-Le Basser without a win. Coach Olivier Frapolli calls the drought irrational and says this has been the hardest season of his career.

The club also chose not to dismiss him. President Laurent Lairy cites a strong working bond and the sense that the dressing room still listened to Frapolli. He says he would have acted if trust had gone.

Frapolli admits he questioned his staying power as results piled up, but stresses the club's support. With his staff he altered structure and methods, and with the players worked to keep tight links between staff, squad and hierarchy.

A turning point arrived with the first home win, 3-2 against Grenoble on 20 March, sealed after an equaliser on 89 and a winner on 90+3. He says such small moments can re-energise a group and that only victories truly restore belief, yet warns nothing is achieved, they remain on life support and are not out of danger.

Source: L'Équipe