As reported by L’Équipe, Bordeaux used statistical analysis to identify David Guion, formerly of Reims, as their main target to replace Vladimir Petkovic who was sacked earlier this week from his head coaching role.
Under Guion, Reims were notoriously difficult to break down and well organised defensively, a trait FCGB are sorely lacking this season. Their 58 goals conceded in Ligue 1 is the worst record across Europe’s top five leagues.
When looking at Guion’s three seasons in charge of Reims, Bordeaux scouts highlighted an especially low xG per shot faced of just 0.08, excluding set pieces, well below the average in Ligue 1 during that period despite Reims facing a comparable number of shots to other French sides. This was because Guion’s low-block forced a higher percentage of shots to be taken from outside the penalty area.
However, Reims were, understandably, far less effective going forward under Guion, both in terms of shots per game (10.5, as opposed to the average of 11.5) and expected goals per game (0.84 versus an average of 1.12).
Guion, say the sports daily, is expected to take over next week with former club midfielder Jaroslav Plasil in charge for the weekend game with Lens after various candidates were considered.