Brest fatigue: Eric Roy worries about dense schedule

Brest, France

Brest coach Eric Roy expressed concerns on Thursday about fatigue affecting his team’s performances amid a dense schedule. He acknowledged the physically and mentally demanding nature of juggling multiple competitions.

Following a 2-1 win over Troyes in the French Cup, the Brest squad dealt with travel challenges, arriving home at 2:00 AM after staying overnight in Vatry due to fog. While Roy joked, saying, "When you travel it forms youth." referring to the cumulative effect of continuous travel, acknowledging his age might make him "no longer" benefit so much from his experiences.

Brest’s strenuous schedule includes a demanding 18 matches slated between January 5th and March 16th.

Several players, namely Brendan Chardonnet, Hugo Magnetti, Mahdi Camara, Kenny Lala, and Ludovic Ajorque, exceeding 2000 minutes played this season, raising concerns about potential overuse injuries. This surpasses the full season minutes record of former attacker Steve Mounié.

Romain Del Castillo, added Roy, experienced knee discomfort needing an MRI to assess ligament injury.

"These last two to three months haven’t been easy," Roy stated, hoping the remaining weeks lead to a milder schedule.

Despite scheduling challenges, midfielder Mathias Pereira Lage expressed optimism:

“We’re maintaining a decent rhythm, weren’t exactly exhausted. This season, especially after tasting the European stage, we’ve developed a burning desire to continue participating. Making it into a regular occurrence each year.

Brest’s squad depth, significantly bolstered, allows Roy options, although strategic decisions regarding prioritization might lie ahead.