Thionville/Lusitanos promoted to Ligue 3: its very big! for Clément Couturier

At four days before the end of the National 2 championship, Clément Couturier and his teammates from Thionville/Lusitanos are officially promoted to the new Ligue 3 championship next season.

The draw in Colmar (0-0) on Saturday, April 18, combined with Bourges foot’s defeat, means that Thionville/Lusitanos, with thirteen points ahead, cannot be caught at the top of their National 2 group. Just five years ago, the club was in Regional 2! Speaking over the phone, Clément Couturier reflects on this promotion.

jhmquotidien: What are your feelings after this confirmed promotion to Ligue 3?

Clément Couturier: “When I signed during the season, I knew the club’s goal was promotion, even if Thionville hadn’t officially declared it. The mission is accomplished. We didn’t think we would achieve it with such a large points lead and four days to go. It’s very big!”

jhmquotidien: What were the keys to success?

C. C.: “This is the club’s second season in National 2. The coach and the entire club, from the start of the season, worked to build a team capable of competing for the top positions, bringing in higher-level players, as is my case. Everything was perfect, with eleven consecutive victories. Unlike other National 2 groups, we didn’t have opponents able to rival us.”

jhmquotidien: On the field, what were the team’s strengths?

C. C.: “There is a great team spirit. Everyone pushes each other up. The coach and the staff were also very good, especially the coach who is leading the club towards a more professional state. We have been clinical and efficient. It may not be beautiful football, but when we get a chance, we score and when the opponent makes a mistake, we punish them. Defensively, we are also effective.”

jhmquotidien: Is this promotion also personally satisfying?

C. C.: “I had a tough summer, finding myself without a club. It wasn’t easy to bounce back. It wasn’t an incredible season personally, as I had some minor injuries, not to mention the national team call-up with Madagascar, which meant I missed some matches. I had to work hard to regain my place. I didn’t feel above when I arrived at Thionville/Lusitanos. It’s a tough championship, very rough. I arrived in a well-built group that had a good preseason and a good start to the season. I was gradually integrated by the coach and played consecutive matches.”

jhmquotidien: Will you now strengthen the reserve team in the Chaumont and Marnaval group?

C. C.: “It’s not planned, especially as there are rules. The reserve team is safe and has nothing to play for. Young players are there and we are not here to replace them. In National 2, there are records to beat, like the number of points, defense, etc. We want to do everything to make the club even more historic.”

jhmquotidien: Will you be at Thionville/Lusitanos to discover the new Ligue 3 championship next season?

C. C.: “It’s a bit early. We are only in April. I plan to stay in Thionville, but in football, there is what you think and what happens. Thionville is counting on me next season. I’m open to anything. At 32 years old, there are offers that are hard to refuse.”

Collected by Y. Tainturier

Thionville/Lusitanos in numbers Classement: 1st Number of points: 57 points Number of matches played: 26 Number of victories: 17 Number of draws: 6 Number of defeats: 3 Goals scored: 49 Goals conceded: 24