Qualified for their third consecutive LBM final, Nice dreams of finally breaking the curse.
Among the people of Nice, there is first happiness and pride for having lifted their team to Coubertin, next Saturday, after an exhilarating semi-final (3-2, 3-2) against Tourcoing.
The season was tumultuous, but happiness remains within reach.
This serenity and lucidity were not always the forte of the Nice team during this season. A squad certainly brimming with talent, but sometimes with a “shifted” view on the discipline indispensable in high-level sport, akin to Nemanja Cubrilo and Jelle Ribbens, two gems not easy to polish! Yet, they are talents, capable of doing anything on the field and present at all matches.
Besides the intrinsic talents already in place, the mid-season arrival of the Cameroonian spiker, David Feughouo, from Nancy, was decisive, giving confidence to everyone and setting things straight.
Will that be enough when the Rennes giant stands in the path of the people of Nice, hoping to break the curse to win the title and promotion to Ligue A?
Rennes (who defeated Martigues in the semi-final) indeed appears to be the overwhelming favorite, after an unblemished dominance throughout the entire season.
Rennes undoubtedly has the profile and stature of an elite squad. But, for now, they’re not there yet. And while the omens are in their favor, the Breton club will have to manage the anticipation and eagerness, as well as the pressure inherent to being the favorite in the competition.
Rennes possesses consistency and an impressive discipline in gameplay. But Nice can always rely on its talent, capable of taking the spotlight and making brilliant moves that might just allow the underdog to cross the finish line first.
We’ll find out today at noon at Coubertin.
