Nîmes Olympique after the draw in front of Villefranche: together, that's all

Mathis Picouleau, Abdoulaye Sané and the Crocos once again sorely lacked efficiency in front of Villefranche Beaujolais but not character. Midi Libre – MiKAël ANISSET

The Crocos did not win Friday evening against Villefranche Beaujolais (1-1), for the 22nd day of National, but they showed great collective strength.

Frus-tré. Freddy Mbemba had difficulty hiding his disappointment on Friday evening in the mixed zone. The croc attacker repeated it three or four times: "I'm frustrated. We had to win this match. Against a team defending with ten men, it was hard to score but we had the chances, despite everything. All these balloons in the area, we had to put them in the back…"

An average of 0.9 goals per match

Recurring problem: in the finishing, Nîmes Olympique, which does not even average one goal per match (0.9), is struggling. "We absolutely must improve in everything that is the last or penultimate gesture", once again pointed out Frédéric Bompard.

"Faced with such a low Villeefranche block, it would have been necessary to demonstrate more skill, more technical application", analyzed the unfortunate Formose Mendy, author of an own goal, who deflected Kouadio's header and wrong-footed Paradowski.

19 shots, 15 corners, 40 crosses for 1 goal scored

Only one goal scored while the Crocos struck nineteen times, had fifteen corners (3+12) and delivered almost forty crosses, the ratio is meager. Frédéric Bompard therefore "believed that we would not be able to equalize", he who suspected that with numerical superiority, the task was not going to become easier . If we had scored earlier, the appearance of the match would have changed. There, the more time passed, the more complicated it became.

The experience of Abdoulaye Sané

The presence of Abdoulaye Sané, 31, whom Mbemba affectionately calls "the old guy", will certainly help give a boost to the crocodile attack. The twenty minutes that the Senegalese striker spent on the pitch is promising, especially since he only estimates he is still at "70% of ( its) physical means".

"He brought his experience. It’s good that he scored on his first appearance, Mendy stressed. The club got him back for that. I know his abilities (the two men played together at Red Star, Editor's note) and even if he is slower today, scoring goals, he has that in his genes. It will be an asset to the team, and an example for the younger ones."

Exemplary behavior and character

Nîmes Olympique sinned in finishing but the Nîmes technician appreciated the behavior of his players: "They never gave up, they never gave up. When I tell you that this team has changed its face… I'm proud of her." 

"We showed character and perseverance", continues Mendy, who is convinced of it: "There was a time when such a match, we would have lost. When everyone looks in the same direction and works for the partner instead of playing their own part, it's much better. The watchword is together. As long as we are in unison, as long as everyone makes the necessary efforts, we will move forward."

Two points ahead of the first relegation

And Nîmes advances. Even if they did not win, the Gardois pushed back the first relegation to a second length. "This point should not be neglected", insisted the Nîmes captain.

"The important thing is to continue our series, to keep this positive dynamic,” Mathis Picouleau joined him. And Mendy takes control again to conclude: "What we must remember is the general state of mind displayed by the group, which put on the warm-up blue . We remain focused on our mission and if we continue on this path, there is no reason why we cannot continue."

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