France Bleu Azur: Does this final against Nantes bring back your memories of 1997?
Bruno Valencony: Obviously ! As the Gym went through the rounds this season, I told myself that it was the right year to return to the final! And yes, it brings back memories. Especially with social media bringing out a lot of photos and archives from 1997.
What is the strong image that comes to the surface when we talk to you about 1997?
When I lift the Coupe de France! Climb the stairs, get up there in this grandstand, with Fred Gioria right in front of me. Waiting for the moment to take this Cup in your hands and lift it to show it to the supporters, to kiss it. It’s unforgettable !
We took a slap when we got back on the lawn when we saw this red and black bend
This communion with the Nice bend at the Parc des Princes remains engraved?
We had already taken a slap on the way back to the pitch during warm-up when we saw this bend in red and black. To see all these people from Nice in Paris, behind our bus when we arrived at the stadium. These are strong images yes, a great memory!
Has this enthusiasm transcended you?
Of course, it was an undeniable plus. Even if there were more Bretons than Niçois. But I, for example, had the whole of the Nice bend behind me for the penalty shootout, I can tell you that I felt less alone in goal!
Precisely this penalty shootout. You take out two guingampaises attempts to become the hero of this final!
It is certain that when you are a goalkeeper you are put forward on penalties. I have the chance to stop two. It’s fantastic what you feel at that moment. Afterwards, we must also salute our shooters. We were solid during this session!
Did you prepare for this penalty shootout?
No not at all. At the time there was no video session, less images to help us. It was instinct!
I was already very, very attached to the city and the club after this 1st season
The post-game is also memorable…
Yes first of all the evening shared with family, friends, leaders, club employees… memorable moments that we keep all our lives. Especially after this complicated season, it was our breath of fresh air. And the next day we find ourselves in the rain on the Promenade des Anglais. We didn’t expect to find so many people! The streets were full up to the Ray stadium where the stands were full. It was amazing!
Was it this communion with the Nice public that convinced you to even stay in D2 the following season?
Of course, I was already very, very attached to the city and the club after this season, even if it was my first year at the club. I wanted to stay and take up the challenge of going back up immediately. The project was coherent. But it was more complicated than expected. And by dint of work and self-sacrifice we managed to bring the club back to D1.
And precisely, between this comeback in 2002 20 years ago and this final of 97 25 years ago. What is the strongest emotion?
The ascent without hesitation. It’s still something fantastic because it’s the work of a season, of a whole group, not just eleven starters and three substitutes. We had started very well, then we began to doubt. But we come back well and in the end we say to ourselves that it is playable and frankly when we validate the climb it was magnificent! Even more beautiful than the Cup.