In the big family of French derbies, it’s the youngest. The one that doesn’t get talked about too much and about which we almost wonder if the name is justified. If the cities of Toulouse and Montpellier have been in the same region since the territorial reform which led to the new geographical division in June 2014, the two clubs have never cultivated real sporting antagonism. Fundamental criterion in the concept of derby. Under these conditions, would that of Occitanie be overrated?
“We don’t hate each other, we don’t particularly love each other either”
Pierre-Emmanuel Rivalland, speaker of Toulouse FC
Feelings are mixed in the Pink City. For historical figures, like Pierre-Emmanuel Rivalland, official speaker of the TFC, the question is quickly resolved: “There is no real rivalry, that’s why we don’t talk about derby at the club (the meeting is nicknamed ‘neighbors’ party’). We don’t hate each other, we don’t particularly like each other either. It’s a bit like in a family, where it’s enough to see your cousins from time to time. »
At the same time, in order to maintain interest among its community of supporters, Toulouse does not hesitate to affirm that “the supremacy of Occitanie is at stake at the Stadium”in a poster “anything but trivial”. “It’s a special and important match for several reasons”believes coach Carles Martinez Novell, more focused on his end-of-season objectives. “We have revenge to take from the first leg”adds Captain Vincent Sierro, in reference to the “worst match” of TFC this season (0-3 defeat, October 29), according to his coach.
“It’s not a derby for me. The real thing is against Nîmes »
Michel Der Zakarian, coach of Montpellier
In the opposing camp, Michel Der Zakarian had already dismissed the subject before the first leg: “It’s not a derby for me. The real thing is against Nîmes (today in National). » In the same way as the real derby for Toulouse, it is that of the Garonne against Bordeaux (L2): “It would tick more of the boxes”, confirms Rivalland. But for safety reasons, after the incidents that occurred last season at the Stadium, the match was classified as “at risk” and Hérault supporters were prohibited from traveling. A sign that this opposition, whether we like it or not, looks more and more like a derby.
#Maroc
