Football/National/Bourg

At the end of a season where motivation, the desire to surpass oneself, go beyond just survival are required. This is the situation for FCVB in the last two rounds, with their safety in Ligue 3 secured. While the defeat against Caen (3-0) last week left a mark on the Caladois minds, the shift towards the derby against Bourg on Saturday contains all the elements of a match not to be taken lightly, especially against a neighbor from Ain who still needs to battle to avoid relegation to National 2. This week, defender Kena Kabeya spoke at a press conference to remind everyone that their season is far from over.

“You have become a regular starter in the team for a few rounds now, how have you experienced the recent matches of your team?” “Starting the matches in this team is gratifying. It shows that the coach recognizes the efforts put in during the week. It is up to me to make even more effort to remain in the team. That is the most important thing.”

“Last Friday, in Caen (3-0), you suffered a heavy defeat. What do you think was the key factor in that match?” “There is not one single explanation for that defeat. We are reaching the end of the season, and even though that doesn’t excuse our performance that day, we put in a lot of effort. It’s the unpredictability of football, unfortunately. We need to bounce back quickly on Saturday in Bourg, in an important derby. We also remember the first leg where they beat us (0-1). We have to make amends there.”

“In Caen, was it the most missed match of the season, in your opinion?” “I don’t know. But we definitely missed it.”

“During the last game, you lost your captain, Malick Assef, to an unfortunate injury (ruptured Achilles tendon). This must have had a big impact on the group?” “It did. At the time of his injury, we were listening to the coach’s instructions. We didn’t immediately realize the seriousness of his injury. At halftime, we understood that it was very serious. It’s significant, especially since he is our captain.”

“What did your coach, Fabien Pujo, tell you after that defeat?” “That we didn’t respond well in that match and that we have two more games to make up for it, including this derby in Bourg. And that’s what we are preparing to do on Saturday.”

“Is this the kind of match you play also for your injured captain, who will be absent for the rest of the season?” “It’s an additional reason to give it our all. Winning in Bourg would be a small gesture for him.”

“What are the stakes in this end of the season for you personally, knowing that your loan spell from Clermont is coming to an end?” “I will give my all until the last match. My teammates will do the same. We want to win the last two matches of the season. Personally, in my position, we mustn’t concede any goals. As for the rest, I have confidence in my teammates, the attackers, to score.”

“There’s still the bitter taste of the derby lost in the first leg, at home, in Villefranche. What remains of that game?” “There is still quite a bitter taste. Especially because of the way they celebrated their victory at our place. The context as well. We had a significant possession, without success. Today, we are very determined to win at their place.”

“Months later, do you still remember their celebration in Villefranche?” “Of course! We are all footballers with egos. At that level, in the first leg, we were quite affected.”

“You were not at FCVB for the previous derbies. Have you been told about the importance of this match?” “Honestly, I have heard a few things. It’s still a derby between two cities close to each other. Bourg is one of the most important matches of the season, if not the most important.”

“Subconsciously, when you are safe from relegation, is there a tendency to relax in the final matches?” “It can be felt, but with us, I didn’t perceive it that way, neither in the locker room nor during training. We all want to finish on a high note.”

Context: FCVB is a French football club based in Villefranche-sur-Saône. Fact Check: The article refers to a match between FCVB and Bourg in the National league.