Saint-Etienne (AFP)
Saint-Etienne coach Claude Puel remained elusive on a short-term return from goalkeeper Stéphane Ruffier, sidelined for the ASSE-Reims match (1-1) on Sunday, especially in view of the derby in Lyon , while criticizing the comments of the player's agent in the press.
"We have to prepare for the derby. I don't think there will be a new member of the team," he said, saying he was "satisfied" with the performance of Jessy Moulin, his replacement in goals. Greens against Reims.
"He is an excellent goalkeeper. We are fortunate to have two very good goalkeepers. I am satisfied with both, satisfied with Jessy, satisfied with the match he has just played. I think he is fit to play the derby, "he replied.
And as to whether Ruffier could return to the group quickly, Puel replied that he "knew nothing about it".
"I focus on those who are there, who are in a collective and in arrangements to give everything for the team, that's it, and whoever the players are," he said.
Stéphane Ruffier was "put to rest", in the words of the club from Stéphane, for the match at Reims, a decision which caused his agent, Patrick Glanz to react in virulent remarks, denounced as "outrageous" by a press release from the ASSE, published on Saturday and which "reserves the right even to take legal action".
"It is unfortunate for Stéphane to surround himself in this way, quite simply. It is his problem, his responsibility. It is unfortunate to be surrounded by this individual. There is not much else to comment, it's not worth it, "said Puel.
"The coach has established a dictatorial power struggle with all the components of the club. But there he spits on a legend of AS Saint-Etienne. He designates him as the culprit of his poor results, unfairly and cowardly Unless this change is part of his famous turnover which we know is successful, "Glanz told the website of the daily L'Équipe, Friday.
AS Saint-Etienne is 15th in Ligue 1 and remains in a series of five matches without league victories (1 draw).
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