Jean-Louis Gasset to remain Montpellier manager amid uncertainty and relegation fears | OneFootball

Jean-Louis Gasset may be resigned to Montpellier HSC’s fate, however, he has not resigned as manager and he is unlikely to be forced out of the club, as things stand.

Montpellier are currently bottom of Ligue 1 and look destined for relegation to Ligue 2. Gasset himself has all but given up any hope of remaining in the top flight.

Montpellier’s game against AS Saint-Étienne was abandoned on Sunday. Saint-Étienne, one place above rock-bottom MHSC (who are eight points off safety) in 17th, took the lead in the first half through Lucas Stassin but were then reduced to 10 men on the stroke of halftime after Maxime Bernauer was shown a second yellow card.

Despite that, Stassin then doubled Sainté’s lead in the second half, which led to violent scenes at the Mosson. The match was stopped and then later abandoned. It is unclear whether Saint-Étienne will be awarded the win, whilst it is also unclear whether Montpellier will be handed a points deduction by the authorities.

Uncertainty dictates MHSC’s decision

It is within this context that Gasset has given up hope of survival. “Is it over for survival? Of course, it is over. If the 18th-placed team faces the 17th-place team, with a five-point gap, and you don’t win that match…if we defend like that, it means that we don’t have the level to play in Ligue 1,” he said.

There was doubt whether Gasset would see out the season at MHSC. L’Équipe understands that, for now, he will remain manager of the club. The publication adds that the club’s decision to keep him was based largely on the uncertainty surrounding the LFP’s punishment for Sunday’s match abandonment. There could be a points deduction and/or a financial penalty, whilst a stand or full stadium closure is also a possibility.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle