“Crazy”, “exceptional”, “fantastic”… The words to describe their emotions were not lacking for the players of FC Nantes, after their qualification for the final of the Coupe de France, against AS Monaco ( 2-2, 4-2 at tab). And if this evening was able to end with a nice walkabout on the Beaujoire lawn, it is partly thanks to Rémy Descamps.
Arrived this summer at FC Nantes, the doorman took on the role of number 2, behind Alban Lafont. “It’s a complicated role. We have to be present on D-Day, ”explains Rémy Descamps after this historic victory for his team, 21 years after the last invasion of the pitch by supporters. This role, Rémy Descamps interprets it wonderfully, without pressure. However, after the recent high-flying performances of Alban Lafont, many observers believed that the usual holder should resume his place for this semi-final against Monaco. It did not happen. Because Antoine Kombouaré keeps his word: “He knew from the start that he would start. He deserves it. So far, he had performed well. »
“In the end, he did not cross”
Facing Brest, then Bastia, and even during the first round of the Coupe de France in Sochaux won on penalties, Rémy Descamps gave back to his coach all the confidence he had given him. However, this Wednesday evening, not everything was rosy for the Yellow and Green goalkeeper. “It’s a two-sided game for him. Afterwards, he was very strong mentally. He was great in the penalty shootout. He puts us on the right track with this first stop against Ben Yedder”, analyzes Antoine Kombouaré.
After a few risky outings, Descamps was able to ignore the match to start a new one during the dreaded penalty shootout. “Penalties are a duel. I had the info that Ben Yedder was crossing his strikes. In the end, he didn’t cross and I chose the right side! “, laughs the Nantes. Instinct spoke. And it allows FC Nantes and its supporters to experience a crazy evening, a historic moment, by punching their ticket for the Stade de France on May 8 against Nice. With Rémy Descamps in the Nantes cages? “It doesn’t mean anything,” replies Antoine Kombouaré.
Little known when he arrived on the banks of the Erdre, the doorman is perhaps the best recruit for FC Nantes this season today. The most decisive in any case.