It may only have been one match, but new Toulouse coach Dominique Arribage has immediately lifted the Ligue 1 strugglers with a superb derby victory over rivals Girondins de Bordeaux.
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When Arribage replaced former TFC coach Alain Casanova at the beginning of last week, it was clear that he wanted to do things his way.
Ahead of the Derby of the Garonne against neighbours Bordeaux, the new boss informed the media that he had dropped Zacharie Boucher. Despite being the No.1 for large stretches of the campaign, it seemed the new keeper would play no part in the side’s big weekend match.
Against the Bordelais, Arribage demonstrated how he was remoulding the team, who began the weekend in 18th place.
Ivorian full-back Jean-Daniel Akpa-Akpro was given the captain’s armband, 20 year-old Yann Bodiger was handed only his second league start of the season (and his first since August) and the Pinks looked to play a modified 4-4-2 diamond formation.
It worked. Bodiger created an assist, Wissam Ben Yedder found the net again and Toulouse looked competent – after weeks of appearing anything but.
Most importantly, Arribage appeared to give the team their confidence back. For his next miracle, he must try to pull them clear of relegation to Ligue 2.