The landscape of the climb race in Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 has changed considerably with the passage to 18 clubs. Currently, a threshold of 66 to 70 points is generally required to ensure direct promotion, a trend observed in France and Germany. The 2024-2025 season in Ligue 2 illustrates this reality, with Lorient, Paris FC and Metz reaching 71, 69 and 65 points respectively to guarantee their rise. This performance is indicative of an increased density, where each counter-performance has far-reaching consequences. For the ASSE, relegated in May 2025, the objective is clear: to reach at least 66 points, even 68-70, to ensure a direct climb. The same trend is evident in Ligue 1, where 62 points were enough for Monaco and Brest to qualify. The comparison with the German Bundesliga, at 18 clubs for many years, confirms this need for regularity and high performance in order to secure an elite position.
Djyliian N However, an injury to the ischio during the summer preparation slowed its momentum and changed its place in the team’s offensive hierarchy. The first professional minutes of the previous season had been held in Guessa, confirming the choice of the Stéphanois leadership to bet on youth. His time of preparation truncated due to this injury allowed his competitors to advance, including Joshua Duffuss, Lucas Staasnin and Augustine Boakye. As a direct consequence, Nçš„Guessa is relegated to a fourth or fifth option in a highly competitive offensive sector.
This delicate situation is a major challenge for Nçš„Guessa. Despite its potential, it will have to show patience and resilience to regain credit. Its quality of address, its sense of displacement and its ability to provoke are valuable assets, but it must prove its effectiveness in reserve and seize the opportunities that arise. The possible departure of Lucas Staasnin or Zuriko Davitashvili could open up prospects for him. Coach Eirik Horneland has already shown his willingness to give young people a chance, and could gradually integrate Nçš„Guessa into the team. At 17 years of age, Guessa still has all the time to turn this hard blow into a springboard for her career, but competition and the pressure of results require rapid progress.