With this 4th participation in the playoffs for accession to L1 (2019, 2021, 2022) without counting the play-offs for promotion to L2 (2017), Paris FC is the French club which has played the most of these cleaver matches since their establishment. But so far, he has lost them all: Orléans (0-1, 0-1 in 2017), Lens (4-5 on the tabs, 1-1 in 2019), Grenoble (0-2 in 2021) and Sochaux (1-2 in 2022). In the squad, only Julien Lopez and Cyril Mandouki experienced the three playoffs, Ali Gory and Samir Chergui were there in 2022.
The Parisians hope to break this little curse in Rodez, 16th budget that no one expected there, before going to Saint-Étienne if successful on Friday before challenging Metz (May 30 and June 2).
“I reminded the players that the club had never passed a round and that they therefore had the opportunity to achieve something that had never been done here before,” explains Stéphane Gilli.
“I don’t think about what happened in other years,” underlines President Pierre Ferracci. I especially think of the obstacles that we have overcome this season to get here, the resilience and resistance to shocks of all kinds that we have suffered: relocations, the pitch, injuries, referees who are sometimes too lax when it comes to It’s about protecting talented players… We’ve come a long way and that should give strength to the team. Dams are always a crossroads but it is better to approach them on an upward slope. »
An almost unexpected barrage at the start of the season
Compared to previous seasons, the context is indeed not the same. In 2021 or 2022 for example, Paris FC had been in the Top 5 and even on the podium numerous times during the season. Finishing 4th or 5th in the end after having experienced a little slump, could even be compared to a minimum result.
This season, it is at the cost of a formidable comeback from a team which had only taken 7 points after 10 days. But she found a remarkable conductor in Stéphane Gilli who was able to recreate an atmosphere deteriorated by the Laurey years and above all give a real playing identity to this team despite the cascade of injuries, a recurring theme of the season.
𝐃𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐒 👊
We’ve come a long way… but we’ve done it: We’re in the Top 5! See you Tuesday in Rodez to continue dreaming.
𝑻𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒍𝒆, 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒔, 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒊 𝒔.
🔵⚪️ #CertifiedParis pic.twitter.com/GF74PydJoX
— Paris FC (@ParisFC) May 17, 2024
“We were 17th, we finished 5th, I appreciate this moment,” smiles Pierre Ferracci. When I mentioned the Top 5 this fall, some were ironic but I believed in it because I have always believed in this staff and this squad. The strength of the club is to have taken things calmly, without panicking and we got there. I also did, without doubt, what many of my fellow presidents have not done… When you believe in someone, you are able to understand in what context he had to struggle, and this context was unbearable. » But this group was built through difficulty. When you have overcome so many headwinds, it inevitably gives you an extra bit of soul that can make the difference in this type of match.
Kebbal injured and absent for two months
“I thank my management for having maintained their confidence in me and it is also a personal satisfaction with my staff to have made my players progress individually to bring them to this Top 5”, supports Stéphane Gilli who is now looking further afield. “Now that we are there, we must be very ambitious and motivated to seek something even greater,” he continues. I’m just disappointed for our supporters not to be able to offer them this match at Charléty. Where we come from, we don’t have to have any pressure. No one gave us any gifts, what we got we went and got ourselves, so the players are ready to dig deep within themselves. »
In Rodez, Paris FC will play without their playing master Ilan Kebbal. The best passer in L2 and elected to the team of the season suffered a sprained ankle with torn ligaments, following an uncontrolled tackle by Bastiais Meynadier on Friday. He will be out for at least two months.
“We will have spared nothing this season,” sighs Pierre Ferracci. But this group has shown this season that it can overcome absences, even of our major players. It won’t be easy. But I am convinced that we will win in Rodez. » His teammates promised to “do it” for Kebbal. “If they spare a thought for all the injuries we have had this season and those who will not be there, they will have even more extreme motivation,” breathes Stéphane Gilli.
