“A lot of desire but also humility”

They concluded the first leg against Barça, and will begin the return phase against the same opponent. Thursday evening, the HBC Nantes players travel to the Palau Blaugrana to face the reigning European Champion.

At the H Arena on October 31, the “H” held the course and deprived the great Barça of a 7^th victory in as many matches played (31-31). A rather satisfactory draw for Julien Bos and his teammates who are expecting a Spanish team this week “revenge”. “We are ready and know that the task will not be easy. There aren’t many people who win there.”

Barcelona being the last opponent of the “H” in the Champions League, the Nantes squad still had in mind the images of the last confrontation and was therefore able to work well. “We analyzed the first leg and we know that we can improve things. It’s always interesting to have matches like that. We will adjust some things and I imagine they will do the same,” explains the “H” tactician. “We lost a few balls so we have to improve on that, especially since it’s ammunition for them. Same thing in the shooter/goalkeeper duel which we must manage as best as possible to avoid counter-attacks from the other side” adds the Nantes right-back.

Grégory Cojean: “We are going to have a lot of desire but also a lot of humility”

Since then, the Barcelona have lost Dika Mem, “the best in his position in all sectors of the game” according to the Nantes coach. “He is very strong. He can do everything.” An absence which is nothing to rejoice Grégory Cojean who knows the level of his teammate in the position. “It’s Barça’s strength, to have 2-3 international players in all positions. So I’m expecting a very good Melvyn Richardson.”

As in the first leg, the “H” perhaps has a little less pressure than usual. “It’s the kind of match where we have to have fun”says Grégory Cojean, who returns to the same words used a few weeks ago before the first leg. “We are playing against the reigning European Champion so we don’t have the pressure of the result, we can play completely free, and it’s nice, because it’s so rare.” However, the people of Nantes know what they are traveling for, and there is no doubt that if the opportunity arises, they will not hesitate to return with 2 more points in their luggage. “We are going to give it our all. The first leg gave us a lot of motivation, we know that we can compete but also know that away from home, it is always more complicated. But why not make a move there? says Julien Bos.

Julien Bos: “Giving our all”

This stage in Barcelona is the first of the last 7 meetings of this very tight group. The “H”, today 2^thalways has the ambition to finish in the first 6, synonymous with qualification for the rest of the competition. “I think Barça will qualify among the top 2. Afterwards a lot of things can happen. Kolstad got back on track after being buried a little quickly, so we shouldn’t draw conclusions too quickly.” Grégory Cojean is wary. Because today there are only 3 points that separate the 2^th from 6^th last qualified (and 4 points with the 5^th first eliminated). “Our return phase is announced as more complicated because we have 4 away matches. We will see where we are on March 6.”