This Saturday will mark the end of the 2023-2024 football season in Haute-Loire. With the climax, at 5 p.m., the Coupe de Haute-Loire final between US Blavozy and US Monistrol. This meeting promises to be indecisive, with two teams starting to know each other well.
Direct competitors for remaining in the championship in recent months, Blavoziens and Monistroliens meet for the epilogue of the season, in the final of the Coupe de Haute-Loire. A dream poster between two groups who are now regulars at these major events.
The great unknown of rhythm
The construction of the calendar means that the two finalists will play their first official meeting since Saturday May 18 and a final day which allowed them to secure their retention in Regional 1.
For a month, the staff had to take up the challenge of keeping their players involved and in rhythm, despite the lack of competition. “This context is a little complicated,” recognizes Christophe Mourier, coach of Monistrol. We took advantage of it a little to really cut a week off, but there is inevitably a bit of weariness and decompression. Then, we have already indirectly shifted to preparing for the future season. » About forty kilometers further, in Blavozy, the observation is the same. “It’s not easy to deal with this gap of several weeks,” laments Nicolas Anglade, coach of the Carriers. We maintained the sessions as best we could, but it’s a bit of our fear of not knowing if the team will be in rhythm straight away. »
To stay in shape, the clubs tried to limit the damage by organizing friendly oppositions. US Monistrol was able to face FC Espaly on Saturday May 29. A high-level confrontation against a club which has shone this season in National 3. The Blavoziens, for their part, were able to come up against their reserve team, which has just moved up to Regional 2. Last week, they also faced a team built by Le Puy Foot, as part of detection.
A warm atmosphere expected in Panassac
In order to return to their match as quickly as possible, both teams will be able to count on the support of their supporters. Blavozy’s Panassac stadium promises to be packed and should heat up from 2:30 p.m., during the Reserve Cup final which will see Blavozy (C) and Velay FC (B).
“We experienced that when we won the competition at Monistrol, in 2022. It’s a real advantage to play a final at home. In addition, the Blavoziens will have their two teams entered, so they will be favorites,” assures Christophe Mourier. “Playing at home, in front of all the supporters, will allow us to compensate for the lack of rhythm,” confirms Nicolas Anglade.
Already last year, a green tide had invaded the Viouzou stadium in Espaly, for the final which saw… Monistrol and Blavozy face off. The USM will therefore also mobilize to color the stadium red. “Our supporters are organizing to do something nice and there will be lots of them. Like what Blavozy has represented for several years, we are driven by a family spirit,” rejoices Christophe Mourier.
On the handrail side, but especially on the field, a spirit of rivalry will inevitably reign. It will be a question of local supremacy, beyond the desire to lift the trophy. The last final and the two championship matches this season created a small precedent. “It’s true that there is always tension when we confront each other,” notes Nicolas Anglade. But it remains correct, especially since the presidents get along very well. »
“It’s true that there is always tension when we confront each other”
The increase in confrontations between the two clubs also provides good mutual knowledge of the players opposite. On Blavozy’s side, “we are wary of big individuals and a Monistrol team capable of monopolizing the ball to move the opposing block.” But the USM will still have to deal with two big absences. Hit in the ankle, captain and defender Pierre Pérot was forced to withdraw. While Zachary Ez Zahouany is suspended after the red card suffered in the semi-final against Sauveteurs Brivois.
Opposite, the Carriers took the time to “treat small injuries” during the last few weeks of outage. But everyone should be able to apply on Saturday at 5 p.m.
Beaten (0-1) on the first leg at home and held in check (1-1) on the return to Blavozy, the Monistrolians will try to turn things around this time, after coming up against a more efficient team. “In May, we found quality collective play, we won’t have to change anything and build on that,” asks the US Monistrol technician. “Facing this very technical team, we will have to be patient and keep the ball as long as possible,” predicts the Blavozian coach.
Supported by supporters just as motivated as their players, the two teams will plunge into a final with an uncertain outcome. One thing is certain, if the weather is good, this day will be synonymous with a great celebration of Altiligère football.
Lucas Jacquet
