Handball: It looks like Usam Nîmes is back

La joie des Usamistes après le succès contre Toulouse (36-29). On en redemande… PHOTO USAM NIMES GARD

État des lieux nîmois après les victoires contre Toulouse et à Tremblay (32-28) en championnat, et avant le derby en Coupe de France, mardi 10 décembre (20 heures au Parnasse).

The return of defense and fast play

This was David Degouy's game plan and number one objective when he arrived: defensive intensity and fast play. One does not go without the other. The new Nîmes coach intended to remain faithful to the DNA of Usam, which has made its identity and its legend. It is clear that we were far from the mark at the start of the season: before the reception of Toulouse, the Green team had one of the three worst defenses in the championship (31.5 goals conceded on average). It is also the only team with fewer than 10 saves per match (9.5).

For the past two games, things have been better in all these sectors. On the goalkeeper side, if the two USAM goalkeepers were not good together until now, there is now at least one of the two who is performing well: Be against Toulouse, Pardin at Tremblay. It's a start.

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And as the Gard defenders maintain intensity and mobility for longer in the game, Toulouse and Tremblay have peaked at 29 and 28 goals respectively. And when we concede less than 30, we generally win matches…

“We played a solid defensive match at Tremblay, which allowed for a very big projection forward, confirms Degouy. Everything went well. And for me, it was easy to coach because everyone played their part. We imposed our game on our opponents and our referees.” We found Nîmes players who steal balls, who take them up, and who put them in the back of the net. Some Nîmes people we know well…

The return of the executives… and the former injured

“Luc Tobie was very great, confides his coach (at 5/5 after his 3/4 of the previous weekend, NLDR). Momo (Sanad) responded on both sides of the field. Yépé (Konradsson) confirmed at the lead (and in efficiency, second 4/5 in a row). This victory is that of the chain after Toulouse, we continue the work, against a Tremblay team that was the good surprise of the championship and which has in its ranks Dumoulin, Claire, Fadhuile… It does not have at all the culture and the know-how of a promoted team.”

The Green team has just signed two big performances… and recorded two big returns. Long-term injured, Gibelin and Kamtchop-Baril are also back. The first, unfairly excluded nine days ago at Parnasse, finished at 7/7 in Île-de-France on Friday. The second is at 8/9 in attack on the last two meetings. Finally, there is “Jiji” Acquevillo: he is not back because he has always been in the game…

The return of hope… and of the exploit ?

Ten days ago, we really feared the approaching derby against the MHB (this Tuesday, December 10 at 8 p.m. at Parnasse). Today, we are waiting for it with desire and excitement. Nîmes has reassured itself in Starligue (five places gained this weekend, return to the middle of the table, 10th) and can approach this 8th final of the Coupe de France with a freer mind.

After two small exploits given the Gardois slump of recent weeks, the time has come for a big exploit. “The Cup is another story, another competition. The MHB (3rd in D1, Editor's note) is the favorite, but anything is possible, considers David Degouy, former assistant coach at Montpellier. And in a derby, the championship ranking doesn't count.”

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