Le Havre eye crucial January window under DNCG constraints in survival push | OneFootball

Didier Digard, angered by Le Havre’s Coupe de France exit, has framed the January window as pivotal to their Ligue 1 survival, despite DNCG restrictions.

According to L'Équipe, Le Havre were knocked out 0-2 by Amiens, 14th in Ligue 2, with the interval score unchanged. Digard castigated his players at half-time and again afterwards, backed by president Jean-Michel Roussier.

He also criticised the entourages around some and warned that minutes must be earned. He said those who believe they merit better can test that in the market, while consistency since August has been the clearest selection guide.

Four academy products made first starts, yet Digard made four changes at the break, including Thomas Delaine and Godson Kyeremeh. Younes Namli played 77 minutes before being booed off, and is viewed as short of pace wide and influence in midfield.

Digard said he is eager for January. The 15th-placed side held December meetings with Roussier and sporting director Mathieu Bodmer to reshape the squad. The picture might differ had Issa Soumaré converted either recent penalty, against Paris FC, 0-0, or Lyon, 0-1.

A centre-forward is targeted. It is hard to come down on the Senegalese, the only pure striker to score since August, and no Havre player has netted in five matches. A right winger is also sought with options underwhelming, Ally Samatta is at the CAN and goalless in 11, Damian Pizarro has been dropped and could depart early.

DNCG controls on wages and fees mean departures must precede arrivals. Last winter the club solved the same puzzle and stayed up, finishing 15th, one point ahead of Reims after 25 of 34 rounds in the drop zone. This time the starting point is better.

Source: L'Équipe