LOSC begins its year with the reception of FC Nantes this Saturday (7 p.m.) as part of the 16th day of Ligue 1. To introduce this meeting, Le Petit Lillois went to meet Paul, Nantes supporter and editor for the Tribune Nantaise media.
What can you tell us about the current dynamic of FC Nantes?
It’s an understatement to say it, but the current dynamic is very complicated. We sense a team that no longer has motivation, at least one that doesn’t show it on the pitch, and that displays a big lack of consistency. In Ligue 1, for example, we held Brest but they scored two goals and we ended up giving up completely. We play very low, too low.
The match in Drancy reassured us a little, because we had a big team and they played very well. Even against a National team, we take this result (0-4) well because we didn’t scare ourselves.
What is the pattern of play appreciated by Antoine Kombouaré?
I warn you, it won’t be a good match. We play with five defenders behind, not with full-backs who come up, but with five real defenders. We vary in 5-3-2, 5-4-1, it’s very defensive, especially against big teams. You should know that we only played big games in our last matches, so we left there. Pedro Chirivella recently said that this is the system that suits the players best. Why not…
What is the current climate in Nantes?
The situation is not the most obvious with the instability around Antoine Kombouaré, but I know that management has come to his defense and I don’t think that will change anything for the match. Ultimately, this could have a unifying effect in the locker room. It must be said that the players preferred to keep Kombouaré rather than see Conceiçao land, who would have made them gallop. We know that he is a demanding coach. We will see if this energy is positive. This can be a double-edged sword, with a team pulled up, or very low.
What do you think of the arrival of Anthony Lopes? Could it have an influence on the Nantes state of mind?
There are two schools in Nantes. One is delighted by his arrival, while the other is more than perplexed. I am part of the first school which is very happy to see him arrive in Nantes. He was still one of the best goalkeepers in Ligue 1. We must not forget where he came from. Another part of the supporters judges that it is a bit like Fabien Barthez, who was a disastrous flop. There is this trauma that has remained. I consider him to be a very professional player, who has an impeccable state of mind. This could turn out to be positive.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of FC Nantes?
FC Nantes is a team in difficulty, and it’s difficult to cite strengths. The main weaknesses are that we don’t know how to hold a ball or manage set pieces, especially offensive ones. It’s simple, we don’t know how to take a corner.
Is there a key player among the Canaries?
We were talking about strengths and weaknesses, and Moses Simon symbolizes both sides of the same coin. He is a player full of talent, very playful and very dribbling, but we are too dependent on him. When we don’t know what to do, we throw the ball at him and that’s it. So when he is good, the team is doing well, but when he is down, the team is in great difficulty.
How do you plan for the upcoming match?
Lille is not successful for us at all, but for all that, I find that we never fall short against this opponent. I find that you have often been bothered. There is never a flat score, even when you are in great difficulty. If I’m absolutely realistic, I’ll tell you there’s no chance, but in our calendar, I would say Lille is perhaps the match where we can do something, even if it would be improbable. The draw point is the goal.
What memory(s) do you keep from these confrontations between LOSC and FC Nantes?
It’s funny that you ask me this question because I have a very special memory of a match between Lille and Nantes. That was when there was Eder. This is the only match I saw from Lille to La Beaujoire. It was before the Euro and the guy scored exactly the same goal as the one he ended up scoring in the final with Portugal. It’s a bit of one of the traumas of my life.
What do you think of LOSC over the last six months?
Lille is a club that I like, especially when you follow them on the European scene. You have this carefree attitude in Europe. You give the impression of never being afraid and you have exemplary players.
I believe that today, Lille is in its place, fighting for the podium. There will be a big battle and I find it a shame that you stupidly lost points along the way. I’m thinking in particular of Saint-Etienne… But you are only three points away and everything is still possible.
Is there a player that FC Nantes should be wary of at Lille?
We are wary of (Edon) Zhegrova, who is capable of dynamiting. It’s a name that gets people talking a lot in Nantes, since he was being watched when LOSC recruited him. It’s a bit in our throats when we see its evolution a few years later. But I wouldn’t settle for feeling threatened by just one player. It is the complete LOSC team which is a threat.
Where do you see LOSC and FC Nantes at the end of the season?
For Nantes, I see the continuation, but as usual in pain. At the bottom of the table, Ligue 1 which you don’t want to see. LOSC, I see them at the foot of the podium. If it were just me, I’d give them 3e but I don’t know, I don’t feel it.
Finally, what would be your prediction for this meeting?
I will be realistic and lucid. So I’m going to start with a 2-0 for LOSC. You have to know how to be honest in all circumstances, even when talking about your favorite club.
