Jean-Louis Gasset: "We have to continue our progression"

With six changes made since the match against Caen, can we say that fresh players made the difference?

That was the objective. We wore ourselves out Saturday, (Wahbi) Khazri was suspended and it was therefore necessary to bring in some fresh blood and most importantly give the young players their shot. I know that there can be apprehension at the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium. Whether it was concerning (William) Saliba or (Arnaud) Nordin, I preferred to let them start as away players so that they feel less pressured.

What is your judgement of their performance?

William started this evening (Tuesday evening) in Ligue 1, at 17 and a half years of age. Arnaud’s performance against Caen was interesting and he deserved to play. In some ways they are still imprecise but that’s just as well. But there’s also quality players with a good state of mind. They’re respectful and willing to work. The team can count on them. I had said that we would integrate the youths in due time but the objective was to call on them under the best conditions. For them, starting with a victory, that’s very good. We still left experienced players on the field to lead them. Players are chosen in keeping with certain factors. I think that Loïc (Perrin), during a week with three matches, has to skip one of them. I preferred that he miss this one so that he will be fresh against Monaco.

Loïs Diony opened the score and scored his second goal of the season. What is your judgement of his performance?

He has the skills to counter his opponent. This evening (Tuesday evening), he was effective. He handled the ball well and he could have scored again during the second half. Physically, he’s there. That’s positive.

You knew how to get Toulouse to make mistakes…

It was by pressing them that they gave us such gifts. That’s sort of our game plan, which is respected.

Prior to facing Monaco in Saint-Etienne, can you already say that the week is a success?

There’s still one more match. And it’s fast approaching. We’re going to face a vengeful team, that just lost on their home turf. We have to continue our progression, we have to improve our game. Two goals against Caen, three this evening: little by little, we’re getting there. But, it’s true that our 14th place in the rankings wasn’t nice to see. Not everything is perfect, of course, but I would say that we’re getting there.

Before the end of your 7th match, your team is now in the top three…

That’s not particularly important. But, by taking 6 points from 2 matches, we’re back to a ranking that’s closer to the one that we’re aiming for. We’ve only played seven matches. Let’s stay calm. We’re going to work with more serenity because dropping to 14th place after the 4-0 defeat suffered at the hands of Paris damaged us a bit.