After the dam between Carcassonne and Albi in Domec (USC victory 18-0), we invited the actors of the meeting to express themselves on the future semi-final between the Racing Club Narbonnais and the USC at the Sports Parc (May 10 at 7 p.m.).
Season II, episode VII. It will therefore be the seventh time in two years that Narbonnais and Carcassonnais have met in an official match. See you on May 10 (7 p.m.) at the Sports Park for, as there are 12 months almost today, the semi-final of this national championship. On May 11, 2024, the USC lost after extra time 23-20. What will he be this time?
Can Carcassonne surprise Narbonne in his lair of the sports park? “Oui”, replies the three -quarter coach of SC Albi, Théo Siboul. “First of all because Carcassonne won in Narbonne on April 12 (13-17, editor’s note). Which can make us say that Narbonne will doubt a little more than usual perhaps. So, yes, the USC has arms. Especially since Narbonne also recently lost at home against Périgueux (12-13). And then, it’s a derby. The remake of last season … Clearly, Carcassonne has his chances. It’s going to be a big match with two teams with a different game style. “
We want to get the title.
Théo Siboul describes the USC game of “Very pragmatic, and strong. Costauded in front, strong behind, strong in defense. Simple and effective. And disciplined”. And over -emotional at a time when this umpteenth derby is looming. “Downright”, Ensures the winger Paul Gadéa at the conclusion of a superb test against Albi. “We all had the goal of this half in mind.” Does confidence now reign within the group? “I do not know if ultimately our last success at the Park gives us a big psychological advantage … But yes, we are confident. We can’t wait to compete for this half. We even want to go get this final and this national title.”
Especially a spirit of revenge animates Carcassonne. “Me, I was not there last season but I feel that the guys have it through the throat this semi-final lost after extra time … In any case, we want the same result as on April 12! And then, we must understand that what interests us are the titles. And the title will go through Narbonne.”
I think Narbonne is super confident
For the three-quarter coach of the yellow and black Mehadji Tidjini, Narbonne or not, it is “A new championship that starts”: “Confidence is Narbonne who has it. They were already in a half, they rested well, they were able to analyze. I think they are super confident”.
If Narbonne has already been preparing since the start of last week, Carcassonne will find the training ground on Monday. “We’re going to base the start of the week on recovery, that is certain. The regeneration of bodies is fundamental. Only, believe me that when we have to argue a semi-final in Narbonne, we don’t find anyone to say that he is bad. Everyone is happy, nobody complains about the slightest bohemus, the slightest pain.”
As for President Benoît Mestre, he is delighted with this new short trip to the Narbonne neighbor: “It’s not far away, already, it’s a first positive point. Then, it’s always a pleasure to go to Narbonne. Really. It is above all a half, then a derby. We will savor …”
One certainty: passion has already caught up the environment of the two clubs. At the end of the afternoon in Domec yesterday, supporters in the stands only talked about that. Albi was only a distant memory, it was simply a way to achieve their ends: a new half, a new derby in the grounds of the sports park and friendship …
