In order to begin a real adventure, they will first need to turn over a neighbour. On Sunday, the Gym’s U19 have a date with the Gambardella at Charles-Ehrmann (kick-off 3pm). They will face Monaco, the current holders, in the round of 16 of the finals. In the middle of this week, we shed some light on ‘lu Joves’*.

98/99 : generation unlike the others

Sunday’s match will be, above all, one of a generation: for those Aiglons born in 1998 and 1999. This vintage has already caused a stir this season, at different levels. This is why you need to go for a walk around all of Charles-Ehrmann to see them at work. First; taking a look on the pros pitch where Malang Sarr and Hicham Mahou start the day.

Head due north and interrupt the training of the reserves, where the solid core develops. Then follow the journey up to the Plaine complex to greet the rest of the squad. Football being what football is, not all of them will be used in the same way on Sunday, the pros and the reserves also have their own games. All of them, however, will have a role to play, “because this Cup is their baby” sums up Thierry Malaspina. The rest of them agree with a large smile.

Malaspina : "We have nothing to lose"

3rd in their league, the U19 will face the current leader of Group D, “the current holder, they have qualified for the Round of 8 in the Youth League where they will play against Real” explains the coach.

A huge quality then. But a quality that doesn't daunt the young Niçois who are fired up for the game. “The mentality of the team? We are raring to go!” explained the forward Youssef Abdelli, before reflecting on the attractiveness of the round of 16 match. “We have faced them two times in the league, they beat us two times (4-2 on 4th September, 3-2 on 3rd December, Editors’ note).In the first match, just like the second, we messed up in the first-half. On Sunday, we have the chance to get one over them, we can’t allow the same thing to happen again.”

“They are a strong opponent : continued midfielder Alvaro Ngamba. A bit like before, if we let them play, it becomes difficult. For most of us, we know each other, because we have been playing against each other since the U17s. We know what we need to do.” “And we will have nothing to lose” the squad proclaimed, echoing their coach.

Memories, Memories...

This derby will not be a first though. It even brings back memories for the Aiglons and their supporters. And why? In 2012, with the adventure of Bosetti, Amavi and co. who threw themselves at the same opponent from the Principality. On a sunny afternoon and in an electric atmosphere. "Of course I remember it, I lived it from the bench" remembers Thierry Malaspina. “The banners, the songs, the people, it’s true that there was an impressive side to it” recalls the goalkeeper Hugo Hagege, 13 years old at the time of the game.

"It was a huge positive, the coach said. On Sunday, it won’t be exactly the same because the match will take place at the Parc Honneur and not at Francs-Archers. But I hope that the fans will travel, just like they did to the Ray back then, to cheer on the youngsters to give a real performance." He concluded by bringing everybody back to earth. "Watch out, I am not talking about achievements, but the performance.”

The date is set. In the name of those from the past and the future.

C.D.

* The youngsters, in Niçois

---