AS Béziers: “We didn't win because we were lucky, we were better than them”: first victory for the U17 Nationals

Ce week-end, les U17 Nationaux de l’ASB ont battu le voisin Montpellier 2-0.

By beating Montpellier HSC 2-0 this Sunday, September 22, the ASB U17s secured their first victory this season. Their coach, François Lorente, looks back on his youngsters' first steps at the national level.

“We had to win to avoid falling into the spiral of non-victory,” said François Lorente, the coach of the ASB U17 Nationals this Monday, September 23. “The boys played a full match, all the ingredients were there, he is satisfied. I don't know if it's the Hérault derby effect, or the fact that many have tried out in Montpellier and have never been selected, but this Sunday, we didn't win because we were lucky, we were better than them."

After a timid start in the elite of their category, the young Béziers footballers have shown that they have resources. Their coach already senses progress after a first month of competition. “The group has progressed, particularly in terms of its state of mind and its aggressiveness, he emphasizes. Last season, we were leaders from the first to the last day, we must not forget that. I think it took us these three or four games to understand that we cannot play in the U17 Nationals like in the U16 R1, that we need other ingredients to win games.”

A good defensive base

Especially since there is still a lot of room for improvement for this squad, made up largely of first-year players, who train five times a week. By conceding only four goals, the Béziers team has the best defense in the championship (with one game in hand). On the other hand, with four goals scored, they are also the second worst attack in the championship. "In each of our two away games, we created eight chances, explains François Lorente. We hit the posts, came up against the goalkeeper or missed the target. So we put a lot of emphasis on finishing, whether in a set attack or a quick attack. This has already paid off this weekend, the group is learning from its mistakes."

By trusting the group that was the regional champion last season, the Béziers coach is banking on continuity. He hopes that he will be able to play at this level again next season. "The objective is clearly to maintain, he says. We must not be too ambitious or presumptuous. Once we have escaped, we will see what we have in store for us.”

A frantic pace

Back in training since July 22, the young Béziers players have a very tight schedule. They will not have a single weekend off until December 15. A hellish pace according to their coach: “That's a lot, fumes François Lorente. It's going to be five months without rest. They're going to have to manage this work pace well so that the whole group doesn't get exhausted. There will be work on management, on coaching." Next weekend, Sunday September 29, the Biterrois will travel to Villenave-d’Ornon, before hosting Olympique Rovenain then Olympique de Marseille, on Sunday October 13, at 3 p.m., at the Stade de la Présidente.