Didier Tholot presented himself to the media in Martigny on Friday. With just a few hours to go before his departure for Aargau, the Valaisan coach spoke about the stakes involved in Saturday's match against FC Baden, as well as the overall form of the Sion squad.

Didier Tholot, FC Sion coach.

How do you feel about your squad a week after your last league match?

D.T. "Good. The players are working hard. We've been able to recuperate and I felt a positive energy. The group is in good shape.

What about the players who were doubtful or injured over the last few weeks?

D.T. "Théo Bouchlarhem was able to train normally all week. He'll be in the squad. As for Kevin Bua, he's been able to take part in the last two training sessions with the whole group, but we have to be careful. It's good to have them with us. It gives us more options.

What's your assessment of the team's current form and its accounts?

D.T. "We've lost two games since the start of the season and we're currently top of the table. So I wouldn't say the situation is delicate. However, it's clear that we can't be satisfied with that. We have to do more. We have to do better.

How do you explain these latest results, which fell short of your expectations?

D.T. "It comes down to a few things. In each of our last games, we had opportunities to score more, but we didn't. The goals we conceded were often avoidable. The goals we conceded were often avoidable. We need to work on these details. There are times during the season when you have to do more to turn things in your favour.

What will be the keys to Saturday's game in Baden?

D.T. "We'll need to be very solid defensively. We have to be determined not to concede. When you defend well, it's easier to attack. With the ball, we'll have to be more accurate in our choices. We need to rediscover the pleasure of giving our opponents problems with a simple passing game.

FC Sion are playing on two fronts, while FC Thun are not dropping many points. Is the pressure hard to handle?

D.T. "We play football to be under pressure. That means we can experience something really great! We could be in the bottom half and have nothing to play for! It's clear that we're now coming up to 'money time' and it's the details that will make the difference. Every opponent will be looking to break us down. We'll have to try even harder!

Martigny, 12 April 2024