Satisfactory Financial Balance, but Quality and Intensity Remain a Concern
The financial balance may be satisfactory, but once again, it's not the quality or intensity that is reassuring.
A Difficult First Half of the Season
It's very challenging to assess the team's performance at the end of the first half of the season. Tied with EST, who have played one less game, Faouzi Benzarti's team concluded the first half with a painful victory in Béja. The cycle is complete: a goal from Sadok Mahmoud on the first day against ASM, and the same player scoring in the same manner, giving his team three precious points. With 31 points out of 45 possible, 9 wins, 4 draws, and 2 losses, 19 goals scored, and 7 conceded, the financial balance remains satisfactory and flattering considering everything the club has been through during the off-season.
Same Attitude, Same Reflexes
Against OB, we saw almost the same attitude and reflexes: territorial dominance against lower-ranked teams, slow and wide possession, many poorly exploited balls (why the insistence on taking corners with two players when it has never worked?), a grouped defense, individual players making a difference, and above all, missed game-changing opportunities, as usual. This team wins, and that's its strong point, but it doesn't reassure, fails to convert opportunities, and can't finish games early. And each time, there are players who, due to nonchalance or pressure, hesitate in front of the goal.
Areas for Improvement
In Béja, Ait Malek was very clumsy and even "dazed" to have missed such an easy opportunity with an open goal. Khadhraoui, on the other hand, doesn't change and has become a desperate case for everyone. Against a weak OB who couldn't get their machine going, Faouzi Benzarti failed to dominate and convince. He won, but each time, like in Gabès or Sousse, it's narrow, dependent on an individual action, a Chamekh who saves his team. The day before yesterday, Benzarti made the mistake of taking out Mahmoud and Khan at the same time, destabilizing his midfield. The team seemed to find its bearings, but defensively, Khan's exit deprived the midfield of a huge asset in coverage. Three good points to take, but a lot to do to elevate the technical quality and especially the production of the players.
Crucial Winter Transfer Market
Finally, for a team with an average squad and players who are not extraordinary, apart from two or three elements, and with poor preparation and financial problems, this ranking and these results are quite valuable. What more can be asked of players as average and fragile as Khadhraoui, Ait Malek, Zaalouni (almost everything he does is wrong, especially the crosses), Ben Abda, Kinzumbi, Srarfi, Bouabid, and Oun? Even those who have shown qualities like Youssef, Chaouat, Zemzmi, or Khan alternate between good and less good performances.
The Need for New Signings
The winter transfer market is crucial for the club's management. At least 4 players are needed to elevate the quality and give the team the resources to withstand the rest of the journey, which will be more demanding. All compartments, including attack, midfield, and defense, need to be targeted.
Challenges Ahead
However, it won't be an open transfer market, as there is a quota of 10 recruitments per season that must not be exceeded. Even if Romdhane, who is injured with a cruciate ligament, can be removed from this quota, there are 4 places left to take. Two months to redo the preparation and especially to improve the game volume and individual performances.
A Positive Assessment Despite Challenges
When we see all these obstacles and misfortunes experienced in the summer, we can say that this team is doing well. The rest is up to the management to decide and Benzarti to create something. Is he capable, especially since the squad has not withstood the physical demands of his work so far, and many players have contracted muscle injuries?
