FC Nantes – Stade Rennais: “They’re seriously ill …” Kombouaré impressed by his players after the derby

At the Beaujoire stadium

The euphoria of the Coupe de France, fatigue, an eleven largely reworked in a little used system… There were many contrary elements against FC Nantes, at the kickoff of the derby against Stade Rennais. And yet. Once again, the people of Nantes showed exceptional strength of character, in a Beaujoire in fusion, despite the closure of the Loire stand. Led to the score, Ludovic Blas and his team reversed the trend.

First by equalizing just before half-time by Coulibaly. A key moment for the Nantes coach, Antoine Kombouaré, sure of the strength of his players. “Once we equalized, I said to myself, it’s over. Rennes took a big hit in the face, ”explains the Nantes coach. Then Nantes rolled out. By taking the lead in scoring. Then maintaining his advantage, with sometimes disconcerting ease, after the goal from Pallois on a volley worthy of a good striker.

“Seasons like that are rare”

For the closing of this 36th day of Ligue 1, the FCN surprised everyone. “Everyone responded. Everything works for us. You have to believe that we could put anyone on the field, it would work”, admits the tactician, who saw this victory against Rennes “like the icing on the cake”.

A well-filled cake. Already because Nantes won a trophy he had been waiting for for more than twenty years. But also because FC Nantes occupies 9th place in Ligue 1, with 54 points on the clock. Above all, because this team once again put on a show at La Beuajoire. By winning against a team cut out to play for the podium. An exceptional season for Antoine Kombouaré. “Emotionally, I’ve never experienced that. Here, we blew up La Beaujoire several times. “Lens, PSG, Monaco in the Coupe de France, then Rennes… The list of players from Nantes is looking good this season. And each time, in matches with a stunning scenario.

Kombouaré, a “happy” coach

A joy for Antoine Kombouaré, who is enjoying this season. “My players are seriously ill. It’s amazing what they do. There is success with us, we also provoke it. We are living through an exceptional period. You have to take advantage of it because seasons like that are quite rare. A feeling shared by Dennis Appiah: “Everything is working out for us at the moment. These are five dream days. We take advantage of the moment. “The season of FC Nantes was already extraordinary. Nantes remains on its little cloud after this victory against Stade Rennais: “I sometimes admire my players, because what they do is monstrous. I am a happy, and above all, lucky coach. »