Stade de Reims head coach Samba Diawara and left-back Sergio Akieme have emphasised the critical nature of Friday’s Ligue 1 relegation play-off return leg against FC Metz, with both the club’s top-flight future and players’ careers hanging in the balance.
Speaking to the media on Thursday ahead of the fixture at Stade Auguste-Delaune, Diawara made no attempt to downplay the enormity of the occasion. Following Reims’ 3-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Coupe de France final, the focus has now shifted entirely to preserving their Ligue 1 status.
“We’re trying to get the message across to the players,” Diawara said during his pre-match press conference. “Not just to alert them, but to make them understand the personal consequences that relegation could bring. Of course, they think about the club, the academy, the staff—but ultimately, they’re also thinking about their own careers.
A drop to Ligue 2 would affect them deeply. They’ve known for a while what’s at stake. Now, it’s up to them to do everything in their power to avoid that outcome.”
The coach also confirmed that midfielder Gabriel Moscardo will miss the match due to an ankle sprain sustained during the final at the Stade de France. His absence is another blow to a Reims side already under immense pressure.
Joining Diawara in front of reporters, Spanish defender Sergio Akieme echoed his coach’s sentiments, describing the upcoming encounter as nothing short of a final.
“Yes, we’re all very aware that tomorrow’s game is like a final for us,” said Akieme, who joined from Almeria last year. “Our future, and the future of the club, depends entirely on our performance. The responsibility is ours.”
Akieme also took a moment to acknowledge the support of the Reims fanbase, which has remained steadfast despite recent disappointments. “We always feel the support of the fans,” he said. “We’re very grateful, and we’ll do everything we can to win the match for them.”
Looking back at the first leg against Metz, which highlighted several vulnerabilities in Reims’ approach, Akieme identified early momentum and defensive solidity as key to success in the return fixture.
“Metz came out strong in the first leg. We’ll need to do the same—start well, stay solid throughout, control the game, and manage transitions effectively.”
The upcoming match represents a turning point for Stade de Reims. After a turbulent season, which has included managerial changes and a bitter cup final defeat, the play-off represents a final opportunity to salvage a place in France’s top division. For Diawara, Akieme, and the rest of the squad, the stakes could not be higher.
Kick-off at the Stade Auguste-Delaune is scheduled for Friday evening, with both clubs poised for a dramatic conclusion to their respective campaigns.
For Reims, survival hangs by a thread—but with unity, focus, and the backing of their supporters, they aim to keep their Ligue 1 dream alive.
