Djiku: the Ghanaian and Strasbourg defender has ambitions for a start in Ligue 1
Strasbourg defender Alexander Djiku is aiming for a winning start to the season in Ligue 1 which will start on Friday.
At the Meinau stadium, the Racers will open their campaign with a home game against Angers on Sunday.
It is one of three home games awaiting Julien Stephan in August, their only away game against Paris Saint Germain on Matchday 2.
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“Over the past two years, we haven’t started the season very well. We will play three home games during August. It’s up to us to take as many points as possible, ”said Djiku in the pre-match. press conference Friday before Sunday’s game.
“The coach wants us to establish our game forward and our counter press. He came up with his game plans. We have to have fun and keep going.
“Angers is a tough team that makes few mistakes. They have a strong and experienced central defense with [Romain] Thomas and [Ismael] Traore.
The last meeting between the two teams ended in a 0-0 draw at the Meinau stadium, Strasbourg hopes that the return of its supporters, after a forced absence from the coronavirus, will propel them this time to victory.
Last season, the Racers won just four of 19 home games, drawing five more and losing 10.
“It’s a pleasure to be able to meet the fans again. We can’t wait to play in a full stadium. We saw last year, without them we were in trouble, ”Djiku noted.
Ahead of the new season, the Ghanaian has been heavily linked with a possible Strasbourg departure, with fellow Ligue 1 Stade Rennes and La Liga folding Cadiz mentioned as possible destinations.
Transfer speculation was fueled by his strong performance last season, where he made 30 league appearances, involving 29 starts.
“I want to be as consistent as possible. I want to perform well throughout the season helping the team to be as strong as possible, ”added the 26-year-old.
In September, Djiku is expected to join Ghana’s squad for their 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia and South Africa.