Union Saint-Jean faces AS Monaco this Sunday, December 22, 2024, at the Toulouse Stadium, for the 32nd final of the Coupe de France. Union amateur players are preparing for this highly anticipated match. We went to meet them.
The essentials of the day: our exclusive selection
Every day, our editorial team reserves the best regional news for you. A selection just for you, to stay in touch with your regions.
France Télévisions uses your email address to send you the newsletter “The essentials of the day: our exclusive selection”. You can unsubscribe at any time via the link at the bottom of this newsletter. Our privacy policy
It’s Little Thumb who challenges the Princes. The small club from Union Saint-Jean (Haute-Garonne) is playing in the 32nd final of the Coupe de France, this Sunday, December 22, at the Toulouse Stadium. Facing him, a major opponent, AS Monaco.
The Union Regional 1 club is preparing to play the most important match in its history. A few days before the match, amateur players prepare physically and mentally even if, at the same time, they have to go to work.
All the spotlight is on the small club of Union Saint-Jean. It’s a memorable moment for the Toulouse suburban sports structure. The players are determined to give their best. This match offers them visibility that they have never experienced before, it’s now or never.
Among the players who train hard to prove themselves on the big day, Larry Viltard is the most experienced on his team.
At 34, the midfielder played ten years with the Toulouse Rodéo Football club before joining the ranks of FC Union Saint-Jean. Despite his seniority, he had not planned to face AS Monaco. “They are professionals, they are used to it”recognizes the thirty-year-old.
Between the Champions League and the championship, they are used to it. We hope they arrive exhausted, that’s good for us.
Larry ViltardFootballer for the team L’Union Saint-Jean FC
Unlike AS Monaco players, Larry Viltard does not spend his days on the pitch or in the gym. During the day, he works as a temporary worker in the building industry and works on construction sites. In the evening, he trains, maintains his physique and plays matches. “If we want to win, in any case we will have to have fun”assures the player with a smile. He adds, “afterwards, for sure, we will have moments with weak times because there is a difference in level”.
I’m in the trenches all day. In the evening, we go to football while they are having a massage. They work out every day. Obviously, there is a certain difference.
Larry ViltardFootballer for the team L’Union Saint-Jean FC
On the occasion of this exceptional match, the players participate in a mental preparation session to avoid being overwhelmed by stress. “Usually, we are in a certain anonymityexplains David Panis, member of the Union Saint-Jean office, there we have fifteen days of media exposure”.
The football team was given three sessions to emotionally apprehend the match that awaits them. “It’s a party for everyoneassure David Panis, the players are excited and even determined. The idea of his sessions is to transform this little anxiety that there can be before a match like this, into positive energy.
In any case, the experience will be beneficial for the club.
David BreadMember of the Union Saint-Jean Football club office
“It’s a huge opportunity, they are not used to having such hype. It may turn a few heads, we have to remain vigilant, but this mental preparation work could be useful to them in the future,” recalls David Panis.
A few days before the fateful match, the Regional 1 players are increasing their efforts to put in a good show against the Monegasque team. On Sunday, 15,000 spectators are expected at the Stadium.
