A few hours before the first reception of the year, and therefore a great reunion between the Mastiffs and their public at the Decathlon Arena – Stade Pierre Mauroy, Le Petit Lillois went to meet Océane, a Nantes supporter.
What can you tell us about the summer in Nantes? What has happened with the Canaries since they left us at the end of last season?
To remind you a bit of our situation. We remain in a very difficult season (2022-2023) during which we were almost relegated. We saw Ligue 2 very closely, but we managed to narrowly avoid it. I hope now that all of that is behind us. Who says summer, says friendly matches, and that didn’t give me more confidence either. I think we faced teams that were very affordable and that we knew. We failed to showcase our qualities on the pitch. However, we needed to garner confidence, at all levels. We missed this first mark which would have allowed us to start this season more calmly. Today, it is quite the opposite, we are already under pressure.
What were the movements recorded on the transfer window? How do you analyze them?
If we have to focus on the transfer window, I must say that for my part, it does not satisfy me, in the sense that we have recorded the departure of two pillars, whether offensive (Ludovic Blas at Stade Rennais, editor’s note ) as defensive (Andrei Girotto to Al-Taawoun, editor’s note). They were two players with above average skills and technical qualities. They brought a lot to the club and I think losing them can be detrimental to us in the long term this season. The departure of Ludovic Blas to Rennes hurt us a lot, we were unable to replace him and today we are still missing this number 10. Regarding Girotto, he was a player who very much shared the values of FC Nantes, he had the club’s DNA in his skin and never cheated on the pitch. If he was able to make mistakes, his time in Nantes will remain engraved. His departure gave me a little pang in the heart all the same.
In the direction of arrivals, it is very late. We have just recorded the recruitment of two new players. I think we haven’t invested enough. We could have provided for a larger envelope to cover our departures. I’m a little afraid that we’ll end up like last season. I know that the coach’s desire was to rely on young people. They will be able to evolve, that’s good, but behind them will they be able to keep up with the pace in Ligue 1? It’s to do. In any case, to date, I am not reassured by this transfer window.
Pierre Aristouy was retained this summer. What do you think of this choice and what can you tell us about him, his style?
He is someone who greatly appreciates the club, which is very important because he transmits these values to the players who then represent the club on the pitch. I’m a fan of stability, rather than constant change, so I think that’s positive. He saved the furniture, he shouldn’t be let go. He said it in a press conference, he finally manages to put his paw on the team. Unfortunately, it is already in danger, which I find premature.
Who is the key player of FC Nantes?
I think we can talk about Mostapha Mohamed in the sense that it’s him, and his qualities, that can allow us to change the game. From my point of view, we have qualities in each line.
What are Nantes’ ambitions this season?
Without European competition, the club’s ambitions are lower this season. If we knew it was a bonus, Europe thrilled us last season. Now, knowing that we are more than 18 in the league, I would like us to be able to play in the Top 10, and to prove that we have our place in Ligue 1. I no longer want to see a whole stadium holds its breath for sustain.
As part of the first day of Ligue 1, FC Nantes lost against Toulouse (1-2). How do you analyze this meeting?
I think we could clearly have avoided this defeat. We were at home, it was up to us to impose ourselves. We were leading in the score, we couldn’t let this match slip away, especially since a certain rivalry is starting to emerge with Toulouse. It’s a very bad result to start our season.
During their last opposition, LOSC beat FC Nantes (2-1). How do you plan on this meeting?
I really like the LOSC team. She plays a good game, which highlights her technical qualities. On paper, she should win, but after our first loss, we can’t start a bad streak. I’m waiting to see warriors in the field, ready to do battle to avoid reliving a difficult season.
What perception do we have of LOSC in Nantes?
We have a good image of LOSC. We are aware that this is a team that recently played in the Champions League, and represented France on the European stage. We know that you have great qualities, we take you very seriously.
Where do you see LOSC at the end of the season?
A bit like last year, I imagine LOSC ending its season in the Top 5. I’m not sure that Lens will manage to maintain a cruising speed and manage to achieve as good a season as last year, that could leave an additional place. I would not be surprised to see this team grab one or two additional places. At least to play the Europa League.
What will be the keys to the meeting?
Whether on the side of FC Nantes or LOSC, the two teams still have everything to do. LOSC plays at home, and that’s a huge advantage. I think they have players who are fast enough and technical enough to make a difference.
Finally, what is your prognosis?
Being Nantes, and chauvinist, I want to see a 1-2 for FC Nantes, just to be able to reassure everyone a little and to show that we are capable of beating big teams like Lille. Afterwards, I went to see the statistics and the history, the probability of seeing Lille win is much higher. I am aware that we have little chance of winning, but I believe in it even if I know it will be difficult.
2023-08-20 20:59:26
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