On Saturday, May 4th, in Paris, the team from Nice will play in the final of the Ligue B playoffs against Rennes. This is the third consecutive final for the team from the Côte d’Azur, which hopes to finally break the curse. Mladen Kasic, the coach of NVB, and Raphael Corre, the team captain, shared their thoughts before tackling this crucial match. Joint interviews.
Nice Premium: What is your mindset as you approach this final?
Mladen Kasic: We are already very satisfied to be in the final because the season hasn’t been easy. We’ve been through good times and very bad times throughout the year, but we were able to refocus during the playoffs. Of course, Rennes is the favorite, but we managed to beat them once during the year. We will have to make the most of their weaknesses and play our best volleyball.
And Raphael, are you confident?
Raphael Corre: We were solid during the playoffs. We qualified during the quarter and semifinal in two matches each time. So, we have a good momentum. In the last match against Tourcoing, we had match points against us, but we managed to erase them and win. It really shows that we are present and that we will have our say. But the most important thing is that we will be able to count on our entire team for the final.
N.P: Do you have a special tactic to overcome Rennes?
M.K: When we beat them, we disrupted their receiving. Our serves need to be sharp because Rennes has a very good setter. We will also need to be very strong at the block and fight for every ball. If we manage to do that, we will have our chance.
N.P: A third consecutive final, it’s now or never….
R.C: Last year, we completely missed the match. This year is different; we are not the favorites. However, we know that Rennes is less strong than two months ago. But as the coach said, they have an excellent setter and are a solid team in all areas of the game. It’s up to us to disrupt them, and the team that gives it their all will win.
Nice Premium: What will it take to win?
R.C: We will have to play with our guts and give it everything. We have no choice. They are a superior team on paper and in gameplay. We know that. But if we enter the match with the right mindset, if we start serving well and succeed in setting up our defensive block, we can give them trouble. They are a very strong team, but we can also be strong when we want to be.
