Frédéric is 42 years old. He has been following FC Nantes Atlantique since 1972 at the Stade Saupin. He is now the webmaster of www.FCNantais.com. He comments on the start of the season and the recruitment of the Canaries before giving his opinion on Saturday’s opponent, OGC Nice, led by former Nantes player Marama Vahirua.
Nice-Première: First impressions after the first day: Was Lyon too strong, or was Nantes too weak?
Frédéric: A bit of both… Lyon, even “weakened,” was indeed too strong. Its superiority was mainly evident in the athletic domain and in controlling the game and game events. Their defense was solid, despite an average goalkeeper and full-backs resorting to expedients sometimes. The midfield dominated its Nantes counterpart, and in attack, Carew was a crucial focal point. Nantes was completely dominated in aerial duels and overused crosses. Nevertheless, if Nantes was logically defeated by a stronger team, it still gave some reasons for hope. Without concentration errors, with more physical impact and more stamina, it could have achieved a good result.
NP: What do you think of the Canaries’ recruitment, and can you say a word about each new arrival (Stojkovic, Saidou, Cubilier, Wilhemsson, Boukhari)?
Frédéric: Unlike previous years, this is an interesting recruitment, with players who could all be starters. It’s still insufficient, but one can hardly ask for more. Nantes must sell to buy and cover a recurring financial deficit. The sale of Toulalan and targeted, intelligent recruitment have compensated for this season’s departures and some of last season’s shortages. I have observed the new recruits during friendly matches, some international encounters, and at the season’s first championship day. Stojkovic will obviously not have Landreau’s class and influence immediately, but he undoubtedly has a better presence in his area. Saidou is a smart and effective player. He exudes real serenity and simplicity in play. Cubilier is a professional right full-back who should quickly establish himself. Wilhelmsson will bring tactical coherence on the right. He will be a closely watched element for his opponents. Finally, Nordin Boukhari has presence and experience in midfield. He plays very forward, is both athletic and very technical. He knows how to direct the game in advanced positions while being effective in front of goal.
NP: Are you worried after the departures of key players Landreau and Toulalan? What did Mickaël Landreau represent for you?
Frédéric: Worried and saddened. They were the two best elements of the past two seasons. Without them, Nantes would not be in Ligue 1. They were representative of a certain Nantes ethos. Mickaël Landreau is attached to his lifelong club. He had to grow elsewhere, as the conditions were not met for him to advance at Nantes. He was in disagreement with the management; the club did not really try to keep him and did nothing extraordinary during his last match at La Beaujoire.
NP: What is the FCNA’s “official” objective, and what do you hope for the season?
Frédéric: President Roussillon likes to set challenges. But they are rarely in line with the sporting or economic reality of FC Nantes. Saying Nantes must finish in the top 6 shows ambition aimed at the fans and players. But until we have seen the team perform over time, especially in terms of cohesion, it’s a goal that seems little related to today’s reality. Last season Serge Le Dizet rated his squad between 8th and 15th place. Let’s say that Nantes, this season, must finish in the top 10 and compete in a cup final. If Nantes achieves OGC Nice’s course from last season, it will have met its objectives at a minimum.
NP: Moving on to Saturday’s opponent, OGC Nice. What image does the Azurean club have in Loire-Atlantique?
Frédéric: It’s a club that seems to be in search of stability and has had a very good season. It also experienced many ups and downs and “wars of influence” in the past.
It’s never easy to play at the Stade du Ray. Certainly, there is a Niçois history of “athletic, even muscular” play compared to FC Nantes, which is based on “beautiful, effective flowing game.” But the two clubs are evolving. Nantes no longer shuns duels; it has even armed itself athletically and with the speed of its latest recruits. Nice is also trying to develop a playing style, as shown by the new position occupied by Marama Vahirua and the quality of the attackers in its squad.
