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Lebo Mothiba’s coach feels relegation heat after defeat in France

South African striker Lebo Mothiba’s coach at Strasbourg in France is feeling the heat of relegation in Ligue 1 after yet another defeat.

Lebo Mothiba was on the substitutes’ bench as the Julien Stephan-coached Strasbourg lost 3-2 to Troyes on Monday evening in a Ligue 1 clash at Stade De La Meinau.

The eighth league defeat in 17 games of eight draws and just one win has left Stephan under pressure from supporters.

FANS FOR LEBO MOTHIBA’S TEAM TURN HEAT ON COACH

The coach told the club’s website that the fans were justified to voice their displeasure with the team’s performance.

“We have to rely on ourselves and not listen to negative comments,” Stephan said in a post-match interview.

Lebo Mothiba in action in France
Lebo Mothiba in action in France

“We have to do everything to stay up. If I don’t believe it, who will believe it?

The coach added that the fans are understandably worried that Strasbourg might get relegated.

“The dissatisfaction of the fans at the end of the match makes sense. They support us, and they must probably be worried,” Stephan added.

LEBO MOTHIBA BENCHED FOR A SECOND CONSECUTIVE GAME

The on-and-off Bafana forward Lebo Mothiba was for a second consecutive game, not involved in the game.

He is being sidelined just when he appeared to be picking form after recovering from an injury.

Mothiba has scored two goals in back-to-back matches before the recent 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup-enforced break.

The towering South African Lebo Mothiba was also an unused substitute last week when Strasbourg lost 2-1 to leaders Paris Saint Germain.

On Monday, Ripart scored for Troyes in the 16th minute followed by other goals from Lopes four minutes later and Chavarelin in the 78th minute.

Diallo and Doukoure found the target for Strasbourg in the 41st and 54th minutes.

Last season, Strasbourg finished sixth, one place from European football.

This season, Strasbourg are sitting 19th with only one win.

It was a sweet win for Troyes who have now collected maximum points for the first time in the last eight league games.

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