This Saturday, as part of the 13th day of Ligue 1 2024-2025, Paris Saint-Germain faced Nantes at the Parc des Princes. Nantes coach Antoine Kombouaré spoke at a press conference after the 1-1 draw (video summary PSG/Nantes). Kombouaré spoke of a point that was a real bonus, having been won through sheer fighting spirit, despite (logically) suffering against PSG.
Kombouaré “Enormously proud”.
“How do you feel tonight?
Enormously proud. Everyone thought we’d lose the series. I told the players that it was just us against them all. Even in our families, not many people would have bet on us against the great PSG, who are crushing Ligue 1 and scoring an average of 3 goals a game.
We knew we were going to suffer, but we fought and battled. Last week we took a goal after 2’30, this time we did better, 1’50…
Kombouaré “It’s only a point, but it means a lot to us.”
What did you think at the time?
I thought it was a disaster, but I also wanted to see how my group would react. They showed they had a lot of qualities, mental strength, courage and self-sacrifice. They were resilient. It was a huge test, and we could have sunk. I saw Montpellier take six here.
We could have taken a beating, but the boys did what they had to do to stay alive. It’s only a point, but it means a lot to us. It brings back confidence and energy”. Ouest-France reports.
Kombouaré was understandably pleased to see his team fight from start to finish, despite conceding an early goal that could have led to fears of a “crack-up”. His players suffered, however, and owe part of the point they took to Paris’ clumsiness.
But there’s credit where credit is due, and a result that can do some good. We now need to focus on what’s next, and work to ensure that this evening is the start of a positive dynamic. Nantes must not relapse next week against Rennes, a derby against a team boosted by their 5-0 win over Saint-Etienne at the weekend.
