Paris FC ended the international break with a 2-1 friendly defeat to Red Star on Saturday morning at their Orly training centre. The Ligue 1 side, sitting third in the table with 11 points, used the game to test their squad in the absence of ten players away on international duty.
Red Star, currently second in Ligue 2, took the lead in the 7th minute through Kemo Cissé. Paris FC equalised via Omar Sissoko in the 66th, before Damien Durand restored the visitors' advantage roughly twenty minutes later. Despite the result, the primary aim was maintaining fitness and offering playing time.
Several players short on minutes or returning from injury were given a run out. Jonathan Ikoné, who had featured little since August, got his chance. Striker Jean Philippe Krasso was also utilised. Defender Nhoa Sangui made his return to the pitch after an injury lay off.
The Parisian coaching staff hoped the break would not disrupt the momentum of a team unbeaten in the league (3 wins, 2 draws). Their last result, a 2 1 win over Strasbourg, had confirmed the positive dynamic. Top scorer this season Lassine Sinayoko, with four goals, was among those absent on international call ups.
The official schedule resumes on October 10th with a trip to face Lorient, who are 12th in the standings.
"Who knows? Next season, this derby could well take place in Ligue 1," a member of the backroom staff said after the game, hinting at a potential future top flight meeting. Paris FC, which suffered several pre season friendly defeats, has since found its stability. The match at Lorient will be the test of whether the break has affected that solidity.
The original report is at L'Equipe Football
