For the first time since 2007, Élan Béarnais returns to Bercy to play in the Coupe de France final. The last time, the Palois won against Nanterre (92-83), then a resident of ProB. An epilogue match of a season with twists and turns for the Green and White… the conclusion of 17 years – filled with 14 titles – at the service of the Elan for the “Petitou”, Frédéric Fauthoux. Captain irreproachable again that day (7 points, at 100%), the now ASVEL assistant coach evokes his memories for France Bleu Béarn Bigorre, and awaits with appetite the great afternoon of basketball planned at Bercy.
France Bleu Béarn Bigorre: Frédéric, can we say that this final, in 2007, came to a positive end to a very special season?
Fred Fauthoux : Clearly! We had a very good team, we had a very good run in the EuroLeague, but a very bad one in the league, we missed out on qualifying for the playoffs. Despite that, we climbed to the final of the Coupe de France, knowing that that was never the objective, that we did not breathe serenity, but it was once again the Elan who had won at the end. , and me with them, it was even better!
Did you have the impression of having finished in style with this final, this title?
Very selfishly, it was almost the dream ending! I had the chance to play at Élan in the period when we were winning a lot, and finally, to end my career by winning one last, at Bercy, in a great atmosphere, it’s unforgettable. My family was up, friends, all the supporters… I knew it would be whatever happened my last match, it was a tense match, but when you win a final, it doesn’t matter how!
– Frank Fife
This afternoon for the return of Élan Béarnais in the final, against Strasbourg, what chances do you give to Pau?
Today, the dynamic is on the side of Strasbourg, it is inevitable, now, the Momentum has proven this season that it can play big games, often close games. L’Élan did not run over its opponents, but often came out on top and especially at the end of the match, that’s what we will have to do again and that’s why I would almost say that they have the advantage of games at stake as the season has not been a long calm river. Advantage in Strasbourg in control, continuity, but advantage Élan at the end of matches.
Before the Élan Béarnais final, there will be that of Basketball Landes where does your daughter Marine play, against Bourges, will that be a highlight?
Oh yes… I will obviously follow this very closely. Plus it’s great, with Elan and Basket Landes there will be fan trains, lots of supporters from the south-west, and a warm atmosphere. If Marine could win her first title at Bercy, in such a big room, with a history, that would be fabulous. And then it would be huge for her to win her first trophy in the family where I won the last, the story would be beautiful!
– Twitter / @EBPLO