Handball. What results for JS Cherbourg after the first leg of the Proligue?

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The logical defeat (32-25) of JS Cherbourg (Manche) during the derby in Caen (Calvados) on the evening of Friday December 20, 2024 came to conclude a fairly dull first phase for the Mauves.

The winter break should allow Edu Fernandez and his players of treat various injuries and of regain strength in order to return to top form in 2025with always in the line of sight achievable goals.

The most

Still in the race for the play-offs

Despite a mixed first part of the season, JS Cherbourg remains in the race for the play-offs. The Cherbourg residents conclude 2024 at the 8^e championship place and remain in the running to achieve play-off matches.

With six wins, two draws and six defeatsPresident Ferey's men display the same assessment than last season. However, after fourteen days, the general feeling is disappointment :

We take the points we have, but we have to aim higher. We have to work well, recover and finish as high as possible.

If Edu Fernandez gets a few players back from injury and morale of the troopsregains color, the JSC has plenty of room to maneuver to hope to grab a few places in the ranking in 2025.

Solids at home

In his lair of Jean-Jaurès Cherbourg constantly displayed a conquering and solid face. The results are more than positive, with five victories for two defeats.

Of course, these two setbacks took place against Frontignan (35-39), leader of the championship, and Dijon, its runner-up (27-28). Despite the defeat against the Dijonnais, the spectators attended a quality serviceof their protégés.

In terms of victories, Massy, ​​Besançon, Valence, Sarrebourg and, particularly, Saran (30-26), 4^e of the championship, gave in to the Cherbourg offensives. It must be said that in his cauldron, Nicolas Gautier's gang can count on a loyal audiencealways present in numbers every Friday evening.

Regularly sold outJean-Jaurès is a difficult fortress to approach for the adversaries . At the beginning of February, for the resumption of the championship, the Mauves will have a new opportunity to prove their effectiveness at home against Pontault-Combault, whom they had brilliantly beaten away (27-29).

There is no doubt that the Cotentinois will be able to rely on the attendance of their fans in order to go for the play-offs and experience new great sports evenings.

A homogeneous workforce

Unlike last year, the gap between holders and replacementshas been reduced, what was previously a weakness of the team . With a much more homogeneous workforcethis season, the JSC can count on two talented goalkeepers Nicolas Gautier and Ivan Vekic, able to take turns.

The choice is also rich right winger position,with Enzo Gesland and Timothé Boschet. At the center-half position, Hugo Lima and Francisco Pereira offer a good possibility of rotation for the coach .

Bruno Landim, particularly in the spotlight recently, also came to support Yannis Busselier at right-back. If summerwas lively for the JSC, the injuries however prevented the competition from expressing themselves fully, to the great displeasure of the technical staff .

The least

The many injuries

Despite a large squad, the JSC was not spared from injuries this year. We think in particular of Andry Goujon-Bellevue, victim of torn ligaments last season, before physical glitches do not follow each other.

Key player for Edu Fernandez, Hugo Lima has been absent since the trip to Nancy, while David Estepa Ruiz was not available against Caen.

Before that, during the match against Sarrebourg, the coach already explained that the situation was becoming difficult for everyone and that it was time for the truce to arrive. This trend was confirmed by the captain of the team after the derby.

It's a complicated first part of the season, and we made do with what we had. There are no excuses, we don't hide behind that, but we deal with the people we have at the moment.

For 2025, the technician hopes to recover players.

“The feedback from David, Andry and Hugo will be valuable, and next reinforcements are possible. Now let all players enjoy their family during the holidays and come back with as much positivity as possible,” adds Edu Fernandez, who also really needs to breathe with his family during the holidays.

Guiraudou's departure

The news had the effect of a bomb and surprised all the followers of the JSC: Paul-Louis Guiraudou left the club prematurely to join Aix.

This departure forced the Cherbourg managementto react quickly and Edu Fernandez to review his plans for the last two matches of the first leg.

His position is very important for us and our game.

Even if the pivot leaves a big void within the club, Cherbourg has hired Leo Naal, free from any contract . In two matches, the rookiescored six goals, but still needs to adapt to your new team .

“We still have to work, he’s only been here for two matches, but I’m happy. From now on, we must progress together », concludes Edu Fernandez.

Defeat in the derby

Unlike last season, Cherbourg lost to Caen. This defeat is symptomatic recent problems of the club and the state of fatigue players.

The JSC competed well for thirty minutes, but the Caennais, as a whole, logically reversed the trend. Yet another injury and general fatigue then tarnished the performancevisitors.

“For several meetings, we have asked too much of the same players, and it’s complicated for everyone. Now is the time to rest and return to workafter the holidays,” underlines Nicolas Gautier, always objective captain.

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