Auxerre defender Gideon Mensah has revealed his early confidence that AJ Auxerre would secure immediate promotion back to Ligue 1 after being relegated.
The 25-year-old experienced relegation with Auxerre two seasons ago but chose to stay with the team and fight for promotion, a decision that ultimately paid off.
Auxerre finished the season with 21 wins, 11 draws, and six losses, topping the table to earn their place back in the French top flight.
Mensah played a crucial role in the team’s successful campaign, contributing two assists in 26 games. Despite the triumph, he admitted that competing in Ligue 2 was challenging.
“It was a very long season for us. Myself, Elisha, and the whole team. Playing in Ligue 2 for the first time after being in Ligue 1 was a very difficult task for me,” Mensah told the Ghana FA YouTube channel.
“From the start of the season, I knew it was going to be a good season for us. It got to a point where it was not really how we wanted it to go, but we struck on, and it went our way at the end of the season.”
Currently in Bamako, Mali, Mensah is preparing with the rest of the Black Stars for their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against the Eagles on Thursday, June 6, 2024.
Ghana is chasing its first win of the year and looking to climb up Group I, where they currently sit fifth after two games. This match is vital for the Black Stars as they aim to revive their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup in Canada, USA, and Mexico.