I think it was our best match. We managed to combine efficiency with good play. We also had elements of a favorable match: a ball from the goalkeeper then an exclusion (42'). Moreover, in the leader who walked on water. But it will not be the same match, nor the same competition. And when we look at the state of form (three defeats in a row in National for Concarneau, three games without defeat in Ligue 2 for Laval), we are clearly not favorites.
Would qualifying be an achievement?
Yes, Laval is now a big Ligue 2 team, which is confirmed every year.
Is this group more made to be outsiders or favorites?
Outsider! Being in the little one’s shoes suits us well. We saw it at the start of the championship when we were not favorites and it put us on alert. We have speed up front, athletic qualities… It's important to achieve success in the Coupe de France.
Winning against Laval also means giving yourself the opportunity to host, while 13 of your last 15 Cup matches have been played away…
When you are in National or Ligue 2 and you don't make it past the first rounds, you have a greater chance of going and playing away. But a big home game would please the whole city.
The Coupe de France was a unique moment. We wanted to do a course.
Is Concarneau a Cup team?
Before, yes! We were only amateur players, the Coupe de France was a unique moment. We wanted to do a course. It united us. Over the years, the club has grown. Before playing a team of a higher level, you have to go through quite a few turns. We are often in the shoes of the hunted and it is more complicated. It's hard to be the favorite. When we were in CFA (ex-N2), we were amateurs, we all worked. The outlook of our opponents has changed a little with Ligue 2, the professional status. This year, we finally manage to play a superior team. We will see the difference between the National and Ligue 2.
Concarneau's last “exploit” dates back to 2017 and a victory against Stade Brestois (L2), 3-2 after being led 0-2 until the 80th…
It was a bit unreal. I was on the field, we were having a broth. Around the 60th minute, Furlan (the Brest coach) decided to release several of his best players like Mathias Autret and Jessy Pi. From that moment on, I felt they were less sure. And we score with two extraordinary strikes from Richetin and Idazza (before winning in added time). On the ground, you can feel when the wind is changing. On Saturday, the objective will be to sow a little doubt. The more the match progresses, the more it will go our way.
The Coupe de France and you, it’s a great story…
My first memory is Nantes (L2) in Concarneau (2009). We win 3-0, with our team of friends. The party behind it (laughs)… The following year, we played Lyon (L1) and we realized that there was a world of difference.
It was in front of 15,000 people at Roudourou…
Twice because the first match is canceled. But between a match in front of 15,000 people at Roudourou and 6,000 in Concarneau, like against Guingamp (2014)… Even when we played Niort (L2) or Dijon (L2). I like winning in front of 6,000 people in my stadium as much as losing 6-0 in front of 15,000 people.
France
