A guard of honor at the entrance to the Léo-Lagrange stadium to congratulate the semi-finalist of the Coupe de France and neighbor Versailles… AS Poissy played it class and fair play just before the kick to kick off an important league game this Sunday for both teams. “I logically proposed it because Versailles has had a great run in the Coupe de France, says Olivier Szewczuk, president of Poissy. Today, we came across a stronger team, congratulations to them. »
Four days after its historic qualification for the semi-finals of the Coupe de France, FC Versailles did not experience a drop in speed during the 18th day of N2. The heroes of the Old Lady continued their exceptional season – only one defeat in 27 games in all competitions – by winning 3-0 at Poissy in the Yvelines derby.
Only four players lined up this Sunday had started Wednesday’s meeting in Périgueux against Bergerac (1-1 ap, and 5-4 on pens). The other “heroes” were substitutes, suspended (Christopher Ibayi) or left to rest like captain Mael Durand de Gevigney, Kevin Pham Ba or Makan Traoré. The holders of a day knew how to seize their chance like Bissourou Touré, author of a double. “There is a healthy competition between us, he insists. There, I made the difference, another time it will be another, we have a very united group. We really live unforgettable moments since our success in Toulouse (0-1) in the round of 16. But we don’t forget that the championship is a priority for us. »
“We appreciated being welcomed in this way”
In the stands, the 78 derby attracted a crowd with 500 spectators, much more than the usual crowds. “I don’t live very far away and I wanted to see this team from Versailles, which is having a great epic in the Coupe de France, explains Antoine, a 24-year-old mechanic. It’s a great showcase for our department. In addition, Versailles is playing well and has a great project. I will see them even more often next year if they reach the National. »
In the standings, FC Versailles consolidates its leading position with 7 lengths ahead of Blois (the 2nd amateur club in the division). By the semi-final against Nice on Wednesday March 2, the Yvelinois will play a single league match on February 19 against Chartres, a declared candidate also for the rise in National.
“It was hard physically, my legs were a little heavy but we managed the match well,” said the other striker Kapo Sylva, who played with the opposing team during the first part of the season and whose transfer had caused some tension between the two clubs. It felt weird to come back here and find my teammates. I hope we will go up and they will maintain themselves. Me, I’m still on my little cloud of the Coupe de France and I don’t want it to stop. »
“The boys have shown extraordinary motivation, we do not have a season with 11 players but with 25 and everyone has demonstrated it, savors coach Youssef Chibhi. We appreciated being welcomed in this way by our opponents. Fair play reigned this afternoon, it was good. »
