One week into the 2022/23 Ligue 2 season and it is clear that Alex Gersbach’s work has not gone unnoticed during the pre-season. He has developed a sense of maturity both on and off the pitch as he prepares himself for a second year at the Stade des Alpes.
Alex Gersbach arrived at Grenoble Foot 38 late in 2021, on 31 August, and has helped the Isère club to maintain its position in Ligue 2. The left-back had a special season: a debut as a starter, a stint on the bench at the change of coach between February and April, with Vincent Hognon, before he returned to the starting eleven. Ultimately, it was a difficult season as he had to adapt to the fight for Ligue 2 survival while playing 25 games and chipping in with one goal and one assist.
Facing Le Havre AC on 30 July, for the start of the second division, Vincent Hognon kept his confidence in Alex as he played 90 minutes in a 0-0 draw away from home. Of the five games during the pre-season, Gersbach was in the starting line-up five times and played at least one half in all of them.
Against French giants AS Saint-Etienne, he played 65 minutes as his side registered a 1-1 draw against the recently relegated Ligue 1 side. On the whole, Grenoble pre-season record looks fairly positive: 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss. The GF38 finished with a 2-0 victory against Red Star, under the blazing sun.
In terms of personnel, Grenoble Foot’s main competitor for the left-back position in the 2021/22 season was Akim Abdallah who left for Rodez. Gaëtan Paquiez was recruited to replace him, but neither Paquiez – a versatile full-back – nor Loris Néry are left-footed. This is where Gersbach – a left-footed and naturally left-sided player – stands out from the rest. The advantage is already there.
Internally, the player is widely appreciated by his teammates and the staff. He does not shy away from work, has a muscular build and speaks French well. Gersbach is therefore a strong favourite to retain his starting position, at least in the early parts of the season.
Alex Gersbach’s role will be the same as last season with both attacking and defensive duties. The former Sydney FC player already has an affinity for the game with his attacking team-mates, whose range we have seen over the past month. If his performances are up to scratch, could the World Cup be a goal?
“You never know” as he told Grenoble Foot.
The horizon seems radiant for him.
