FC Nantes is certainly preparing for one of the most important matches of its season, this Wednesday evening, against AS Monaco of Wissam Ben Yedder. In a Beaujoire which will be full to bursting, the formation of Antoine Kombouaré will try to climb to the final of the Coupe de France, next May 8, for the first time since 2000. As for “maybe the most important game of the season for us“, says Samuel Moutoussamy, the Yellows can count on the returns of Moses Simon, Jean-Charles Castelletto and Quentin Merlin. Something to reassure the technician of the Yellows who “see[t] [s]we team up for a great game.” Maintenance.
“We are motivated like all by the idea of playing this half at home”
Have you recovered from your Covid-19 infection?
I have been negative since yesterday [lundi] and I’m fine, thank you for checking in on my health. Against Metz, it’s the first time that I don’t attend a match of my team. In these cases, we’re chomping at the bit, we’re angry because we can’t do our job, but the boys did the right thing and got a point.
What about the other players who had to stay in Nantes?
Most of them were able to work on their own, the physical trainer gave them a little program but nothing replaces training with friends. Since Monday, everyone has resumed training, we found a large group. We’ll see, but we’re really motivated by the idea of playing this half at home. I hope it will be a good party and that we will qualify.
What kind of encounter do you expect?
I expect a complicated, difficult match against an opponent who has just lost at home and who is not in a good series in the league. They will doubt a little but I expect a revengeful team. They have a lot of qualities with great players. They may play their season in the Coupe de Francethey will not give us a gift.
How would you describe AS Monaco’s style of play?
Monaco is a generous team, with a lot of attacking qualities. The trainer asks for a lot of high-intensity runs and players in front of his very strong physically. They multiply the calls between Sofiane Diop, Aleksandr Golovine. Even Wissam Ben Yedder, he surprises me because I didn’t see him doing so many races and calls. We expect a formidable opponent.
“Everyone is in the starting blocks”
How did you prepare for this meeting?
Today, there is this desire to do things together, to go to the Stade de France by passing this round against Monaco. I have total confidence in the way we will behave, we are ready for this kind of event. I see my team having a great game. What is good is that at this time of year, we play matches without being afraid of going down to Ligue 2, it’s a huge weight less. We have more confidence in ourselves.
Does this mean that you now have more certainties?
I don’t know but in any case we have a base. We have built something, we have regained solidity in defense and what stands out is the fact that the boys have the will to win the matches and to experience the events together. The players have taken over the project which is to have a great season. We just have to accompany them. They are the engines. There are times in a season when you know you no longer need to boost players but, at the same time, it’s still fragile. This is the truth of the moment.
Have you felt a certain enthusiasm for a few meetings?
Yes and we must congratulate the players because they are showing a different face than last season and the public is identifying with this team. The players have understood that when they do things well and together, the fans follow. It quivers again, there is impatience, envy around us. After what will it give? I don’t know but it’s fine.
Are your players impatient?
It is clear that today, everyone is in the starting blocks. We want to relive these emotions [d’aller en finale pour la première fois depuis 2004, en Coupe de la Ligue, ndlr], this communion with the players. I kill myself telling the players that the championship is one thing but the Cup has nothing to do, it’s a popular party. What could be better than blowing up Beaujoire again and taking your supporters to the Stade de France?
Rémy Descamps, titular goalkeeper in the Coupe de France, will he be titular?
You’ll see, but there will be a guard, don’t worry! Honestly, guardians accept the choices i make and this is the most important. They have a great mindset. They help each other.