Ahead of the rapidly approaching 2023/24 season, the Gym continues its preparatory tour under the guidance of its new coach Francesco Farioli.
After last week’s debacle against Lausanne, the eaglets needed to show a different side against a Montpellier side in good form, having beaten Toulouse 3-1 in their first friendly match.
With the return of Khéphren Thuram in the starting lineup and the presence of key players like Dante, Boudaoui, and Laborde, Francesco Farioli did not want to take risks as he approached the match. Notably, Sofiane Diop was named in the starting eleven, having made an impact during the game against Lausanne by scoring a stunning free kick.
The Farioli touch
The least one can say is that the Gym quickly proved to be solid in a match played in 3×30 minutes. Resisting the strong intensity from Michel Der Zakarian‘s men from the start of the match, the well-organized defense of the eaglets did not falter. More comfortable in combinations and movement play, and coordinating well with the press, Dante’s teammates showed no lack of chemistry.
Ultimately, it was only in the 82nd minute that the Gym opened the scoring to claim a 1-0 victory. With a goal from Beka Beka, who entered during the game, the bets made by Farioli paid off.
Next match for the eaglets: next Saturday in Portugal against Braga.
