Date: October 1, 2025 Author: Hugo Dempsey
They say you haven't really managed Clermont Foot until you've stood on the touchline for the Derby against Saint-Étienne. Well, consider me initiated.
September was a month that had everything: the highest of highs against our fiercest rivals, the frustration of a late collapse, and a humbling defeat on the road. But through the injury crisis and the chaos, we found a new hero from the unlikeliest of places.
Here is the debrief of a rollercoaster month in Auvergne.
⚽ The Match Diary
vs Saint-Étienne (H) | WON 2-0 The Derby. The atmosphere was electric, and we matched it right from the kickoff. Axel Camblan settled the nerves instantly, finding the net in the 2nd minute to send the Gabriel-Montpied into raptures. From there, we managed the emotion perfectly. Despite Les Verts throwing everything at us, we held firm. Adrien Hunou sealed the bragging rights with a coolly taken penalty in the 76th minute. Special Mention: Due to our defensive injury crisis, 17-year-old Lorenzo Delaygue was thrown into the deep end for his debut at Left Back. He didn't just swim; he walked on water. A massive performance from the kid.
vs Rodez AF (A) | DREW 3-3 The "Angeball" Classic. If you want to explain my tactics to someone, show them this tape. We went down early, roared back to lead 3-1 at half-time thanks to Caufriez, Saivet, and Bamba, and played some breathtaking football. Then, the dark side of the system appeared. Fatigue set in, the press disjointed, and we conceded two cheap goals in the final 10 minutes. It feels like a loss, but for the neutral, it was an all-time classic.
vs Reims (A) | LOST 1-3 The Reality Check. An awful day at the office. Reims were superior in every department. We snatched a glimmer of hope at 2-1 thanks to Ilhan Fakili (75'), but almost immediately switched off and conceded a third. We looked leggy and disorganized. A game to delete from the analysis server.
vs Le Mans (H) | WON 3-0 The Response. Great teams don't lose two in a row. The reaction to the Reims defeat was professional and clinical. Hunou (8'), the evergreen Henri Saivet (44'), and Fakili (69') ensured a comfortable afternoon. A clean sheet and three points—the perfect way to end the month.
League Table
📰 Notable News: The Academy Steps Up
🌟 The Breakout Star: Lorenzo Delaygue Necessity is the mother of invention. With our senior defenders dropping like flies, we turned to the U19s, and Lorenzo Delaygue answered the call. The 17-year-old has been a revelation. Across his two senior starts, he has averaged a 7.33 rating (via FotMob), looking composed beyond his years. He has undoubtedly saved us points this month and has earned his spot in the senior rotation.
🏥 Physio Room Update There is finally light at the end of the tunnel.
Konaté, Boto, and M'Bahia have returned to light training and are building match fitness with the Reserves/U19s. We expect them back in contention mid-October.
Ange Josue Chibozo is back on the grass! He is training again after his ankle fracture. We won't rush him, but seeing him with a ball at his feet has lifted the whole squad.
⏭️ October Outlook
We enter October sitting in a healthy position. The "Dempsey Era" has weathered its first injury storm, and we arguably look stronger for it because we now know we can trust the youth.
With the defence returning to full fitness and Chibozo nearing a return, the competition for places is about to heat up. That is exactly the headache I want.
Five games are on the fixture for October with a trip to Nouste Camp and a match against Pau, who sit just below us on the table!
Allez Clermont!
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