Only Ligue 1 side pointless after two games, AJ Auxerre need swift response | OneFootball

AJ Auxerre are the only Ligue 1 side without a point after two matches, and Will Still is the first AJA coach to open a top-flight season with two defeats. Eight conceded across a 5-2 loss at Lens and a 1-3 home reverse to Angers has underlined the need for defensive steel. According to L'Équipe, Still says the poor start does not alter their market stance as the deadline hits 20:00 on Tuesday.

At Lens on 22 August, four of the five goals arrived while AJA were down to ten after centre-back Christ Makosso was sent off. Against Angers, Still was left frustrated by two set plays that undid his back line and by the loss of energy and conviction that followed.

Youth was not the issue this time. Academy product Elikya Legros, 18, impressed on his first Ligue 1 start until he was withdrawn on 62 minutes after a booking on 50. The reshuffle that brought Fredrik Oppegard on at left-back and moved Clément Akpa inside left Auxerre disorganised.

Still does not think captain Kévin Danois will depart and is fairly confident on that point. The 22-year-old, courted by Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest, is not eager to leave now and would require an offer above 35 M€, which appears unlikely at present. One or two departures are possible, while one or two arrivals, probably a forward and a defender, will be pursued only if they make sense given a 50 M€ budget.

A group of supporters met Still on Thursday in cordial fashion, but full-time brought loud whistles. He said he would protect his players and could accept respectful criticism aimed at him. The coach stressed they must grow quickly, with a demanding trip to Lyon on Friday.

Source: L'Équipe

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