“An elimination against Bastia, I do not envisage that, but not everything. FC Nantes coach Antoine Kombouaré is ambitious before the quarter-final of the Coupe de France which awaits his team against Bastia. Seventeenth in Ligue 2, the Corsican club has already eliminated two elite formations (Clermont and Reims) before going to Beaujoire. Facing the Bastiais, the coach of the Canaries intends to enforce logic. “It’s a match that we must be able to master, even dominate,” he said. “They showed that they weren’t afraid of the Ligue 1 teams. It’s up to us to take this match with the utmost seriousness, the greatest humility. If indeed there is a gap, a difference in level, it must be shown through strong acts. »
Antoine Kombouaré is expecting a lot from his attack, which proved harmless last Sunday in Strasbourg (1-0). A displayed confidence which does not prevent him from displaying a maximum of humility, in a competition which reserves its share of surprises. “We have to expect Corsicans who are going to give us a hard time. It’s a cup game and anything is possible. You must not fall into the trap. »
“I do not envisage that, but not at all”
And for that, the Kanak categorically refuses to look further than the match that awaits his people on Thursday. Even if the draw for the semi-finals will be made on Wednesday evening. “Ah well, you teach me,” he says, looking surprised (or not), while blowing hot and cold. “An elimination against Bastia, I do not envisage that, but not everything”, launches the Nantes technician, before adding, full of humility: “For me, the Stade de France is very far. It’s not a lack of ambition, but I have my feet on the ground”.
Ambition and humility: this is the recipe for success delivered by Antoine Kombouaré, who will celebrate his first birthday on the bench of FC Nantes. A qualification in the semi-finals would be a nice gift, in front of a Beaujoire which expects more than 25,000 spectators.