Handball: for Usam, (very) quickly the sequel…

L’arrière droit Damien Gibernon s’est montré efficace à Nancy, avec 4 buts et 5 passes. ARCHIVES MIDI LIBRE – MIKAËL ANISSET

After qualifying in Nancy, in the 16th final of the Coupe de France, Nîmes is heading for the championship and Paris S-G. Obviously not the same story.

Victorious (30-28) and qualified in Nancy (Proligue), Tuesday in the 16th final of the Coupe de France, Usam Nîmes won what was probably the most affordable match of its week. Before going to challenge PSG, Saturday at Coubertin, on the occasion of the 1st day of Starligue.

David Degouy, coach: ''When you hold the opponent, you have to be merciless''

''In Paris, I wouldn't say that we have nothing to lose, but rather everything to gain'', qualifies Gard coach David Degouy. A technician generally satisfied with the performance of his team in Lorraine: ''Even when it was difficult (6-8, 13th before a 4-0 in 5th; ; 10-8, 18th), the group was able to hold on. Afterwards, we also have to learn to ‘’kill’’ matches when we can (from 20-15, 37th to 20-20, 40th, or 0-5 in 3’). When we hold the opponent, we have to be merciless.''

Will Nîmes now succeed, on Saturday, in getting out of the sharp clutches of a PSG team seeking revenge following the Green team's victory (33-32) last May at Coubertin ?

''I think Paris will be ready (sic), reacts Degouy. Now, it is up to the players to show, through their level of performance and commitment, that they are capable of playing the same game as against Toulouse (31-28 friendly victory), our benchmark match.''

The Coupe de France, a great sporting and human adventure

Between the championship and the Cup, Usam does not want to choose. Even if the shortest way to see Europe (5 victories) remains the Coupe de France. ''I told the players that the Coupe de France must be a great sporting and human adventure, explains Degouy. It's a competition apart and I think that playing at the Accor Arena (venue of the final, in Paris), wouldn't be bad (smile). Afterwards, it's up to each person to see how they experience things.''

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