Against the Parisians of Paris FC, Alès will “play his luck to the fullest” to try to create the feat

Peyrard (2nd from left) and the OAC want to believe it. Midi Free – ALEXIS BETHUNE

Like its midfielder Théo Peyrard, present during the elimination of AC Ajaccio in 2018, the OAC wants to believe in the feat against Paris FC who play in Ligue 2, this Saturday ( 3:30 p.m.) in the 32nd final of the Coupe de France.

Alesian for six seasons, midfielder Théo Peyrard is the only survivor of the victorious formation of the AC Ajaccio Ligue 2 team, November 17, 2018 (2 -0) during the seventh round of the Coupe de France. Father of little Elyna since December 31, he is planning on the arrival of Paris FC, another L2 team, this Saturday at the Pibarot stadium.

What does a 32nd final of the Coupe de France represent for a National 2 player ?

Above all, pride in having achieved a flawless journey to achieve this (eliminations of Sumène, Rousson, Beaucaire, Rosador Mayotte and Martigues). Then, it’s a nice interlude in a complicated season (11th out of 14 in Pool A) during which we will have to fight to maintain our position against formidable opponents.

The composition

ALES: Laurent – Alaoui, Nadifi, Cros, Jdaini – Dabo (cap), Peyrard or Ben Nasr, Franco – Baana Jaba or Mahamat , A. Diaby, Balmy or Kich. Substitutes (choose from): Moreau (l.), Héréson, Husson, Abelinti, Chevreuil, Iafrate, Ben Nasr, Kich, Mahamat, Toiron, Baptiste, Gourdon.

What is the state of mind of the group before this shock ?

We are all aware of the chance, and the responsibilities that go with it, of playing such a match which will expose the club even if we would have preferred to face a Ligue 1 (Monaco, Clermont, Lens, Le Havre and Metz were the potential opponents of l’OAC, editor’s note).

You have already eliminated a Ligue 2 team five years ago. Do you think you are capable of doing it again ?

The difference of two divisions is both a lot and a little. I sincerely believe that we have the necessary qualities to do something. And then in a match, without overtime, anything is possible.

Is it possible to forget your situation in the championship for the duration of a match ?

We have an experienced group who knows how to put things into perspective. We will take the field to win like we do every game. We owe it to our leaders, our sponsors and our loyal supporters who would not understand if we did not give our all for 90 minutes.

The group has not been spared from injuries since the start of the season. What is it today ?

It’s true that we have never been able to field the same team twice since August, but apart from Jeffrey (Assoumin), all of us have played twice since August. workforce seems able to hold its place. Only one regret, the suspension of our captain Yann Djabou.