How are you experiencing this crazy prospect of welcoming Laval professionals to your stadium?
For the club, it is historic. This is the first time we have reached this stage of the competition. It’s a lot of emotions. This is a first for most people at the club, it brought a lot of fun. We have a lot of impatience, a lot of desire but we try to keep our feet on the ground all the same because it’s a match that is being played and we still want to win it.
Is there a different preparation for this type of match compared to the championship?
It is true that it is not the same type of match. There will be a lot of people there, the full scale of the match that will be played but we try to prepare for it like all matches, by focusing on our game project. We want to approach it as calmly as possible.
What type of match do you expect against this team?
As far as we are concerned, we are going to play our game. We are not going to change our style. Afterwards, it’s a professional team and it’s a first time for most of the players so it’s not going to be like all the other matches. But you have to manage to approach it in the same way to try to do something. It’s a French Cup match so anything is possible. We are going there to win and we know that the feat is possible!
“I believe in it so I would say 60% chance that we pass and 40% that we lose! »
You were the decisive scorer against Villenave-d’Ornon in the 6th round then against Beaumont-Saint-Cyr in the 8th. You will definitely be expected at this match!
It would be a huge pleasure to be able to score against a professional club, that’s for sure. As a striker, I want to score. Afterwards, I will approach the match like any other and stay focused on helping the team win.
How much do you estimate your percentage chance of passing?
It is certain that we are not favorites. In a match, everything can be at stake. I believe in it so I would say 60% chance that we pass and 40% that we lose! Either way, the whole team wants to go as far as possible. It’s a cup dream. However, they are not going to give us any gifts but we are going to fight with our weapons.
How do you imagine this event for the town of Mérignac?
It would be a huge Christmas present for the club and our community to qualify. Everyone dreams of this. To eliminate a professional club would be fantastic, especially at the end of the year. We have been undefeated since the start of the season, so finishing with a victory in the Cup would be royal.
A final message to your supporters?
May they come in large numbers to push us to the maximum. If the public plays its role as the 12th man, it will help us even more to create the feat.
The match
Coupe de France (32nd finals): SA Mérignac (R1) – Laval (L2), this Friday, December 20 at 8:45 p.m. at the Robert Brettes stadium.
