Guest of Graoully Mag' this Thursday, Julien François returned to the poster opposing US Thionville Lusitanos and Valenciennes FC in the Coupe de France. The opportunity to also talk about his personal experience as a coach. Interview.
This last sporting weekend started very badly with the heavy elimination of FC Metz against ESTAC Troyes (3-0). However, the magic of the Coupe de France has not said its last word with the return of US Thionville-Lusitanos. Julien François' men will face Valenciennes FC, currently 12th in the National. A fall in the history of the club which in no way takes away its status as favorite for the meeting which will take place this Sunday (5:30 p.m.) at the Guentrange stadium in Thionville.
New developer for Thionville-Lusitanos
After FC Annecy (2-1) and Olympique de Marseille (0-1) last season, US Thionville-Lusitanos continues to see things big in the Coupe de France with the reception of the VAFC. “ It will inevitably be a match which will give us indications as to our potential, explains the club's coach, Julien François, on the Graoully Mag set. Valenciennes is a big team. It was a semi-finalist in the Coupe de France last year, so we are in the little boy's shoes, in his stadium and with his supporters. » If the USTL technician aims for a “ small feat “, there are obviously hopes of seeing the Thionvillois mark a little more in the history of a club which continues to grow. Indeed, all is not rosy on the side of the Northerners who have just formalized the arrival of a well-known face in Moselle, that of Vincent Hognon (former coach of FC Metz between 2018 and 2020). But this upheaval could change certain cards. “ Our analyzes are called into question by the change of coachadmits Julien François. It’s a separate competition that belongs to the players. » It will be necessary to carry out a “ last effort » before ending this year 2024, with a potential accession to the 1/16 finals of the Coupe de France. A first in the history of the club and the city of Thionville.
“Go as high as possible” for Julien François
USTL coach for three seasons, Julien François has also grown through this experience. “ We are on three climbssmiles the 45-year-old technician. This year, we're pretty good, but we've gotten so used to winning that we say to ourselves that maybe we won't go up this year, so it's a bit weird. » A conclusion with a smile for someone who is only at the beginning of a career that he wants to elevate as much as possible. “ I am humble, hardworking, but inevitably, he admits. I want to have the professional diploma and I want to try to reach the high level at one point or another. » In the meantime, there is a qualification to seek.
All the news from FC Metz can be found in the Graoully Mag, every Monday and Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
