Antoine Kombouaré, the new coach of Nantes, winner in Nice (2-1) on Sunday, felt “a lot of pride” in the behavior of his players who played “a great match”, even if “it’s only a beginning”. “I feel joy, because it was not a foregone conclusion to come and win in Nice,” Kombouaré first said in the post-match conference. “It’s a lot of pride,” he continued. The players showed an impeccable state of mind. The victory was deserved. We had a great match.”
“The players were monstrous in the first half,” underlined Kombouaré, who appreciated the fact that his team “did not explode, despite Nice’s equalizer”. “Emotionally, it was very hard for me,” he added. They (the players, Editor’s note) put their “ass on the ground”. In difficulty, we know that they are capable of playing for each other. It’s an extraordinary collective performance.”
If Matthis Abline, for whom Kombouaré “absolutely wanted to find a place” and who is “now expected around the corner”, was very good, “all the players were monstrous”, analyzed the Nantes coach. “I congratulated them (…) but it’s only the beginning,” confided the Kanak. This is not why maintenance is acquired.”
Beyond the collective aspect, Kombouaré also appreciated “rediscovering the adrenaline of competition” after “10 months on vacation”. “What makes me love it is the competition,” he said before concluding: “The idea of helping my favorite club to maintain itself appealed to me,” in addition “with a group of which 17 of the 23 players were with me last season.