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Coupe de France: Anthony Dauvergne, failed PSG at 20, hero at 31 of Saumur, the little thumb

2021-03-09T07:22:57.219Z


Qualified for the round of 16 of the competition, the Petit Poucet from Saumur can rely on his goalkeeper and captain Anthony Dauvergne.


"Be careful, I am costing me dearly".

Anthony Dauvergne perfectly handles self-mockery when asked about his nascent notoriety.

Since Saturday, this thirty-something has been the captain and doorman of the new little thumb of the Coupe de France.

By stopping a shot on goal during the final session (3-3, 4-3 tab) against US Montagnarde, he carried Olympique de Saumur (National 3) to the round of 16 of the competition.

A quarter of an hour of glory, certainly later than expected, but which he savored without bitterness.

In 2006, Anthony could legitimately claim a more golden destiny.

At 17, he won the title of champion of France U19 with the young people of PSG.

Several of his comrades, Mamadou Sakho, David N'Gog or Younousse Sankharé, have the fate that we know.

But not him, failed three years later when he was a professional trainee.

“Psychologically, it's hard, you miss your dream, remembers the native of Rouen.

The following year was my worst year, I didn't even recognize myself.

I was lost on the lawns and outside ”.

He then tried to bounce back in Dieppe then in Châtellerault, but it was in Saumur (Maine-et-Loire) that he turned the page in 2013. “Here, it's DIY, there are few financial means, he describes.

But we are undoubtedly more structured and competent than some CFA clubs (N2) ”.

"A few centimeters" of deficit

It was the goalkeeper coach of the club David Granger who had gone to look for him at the time.

If according to him he may have missed "a few centimeters" to the former Parisian (1.75m) to approach the high level, he had for the rest "all the technical and mental qualities" he needed.

“We both talk about it sometimes.

Today, pro clubs want big rods, someone who takes up space ”.

Anthony Dauvergne then under the colors of the young people of PSG.

Reserved rights

David Granger, who became a pro at Thouars then at SCO d'Angers, has identified with his foal over the years.

“We didn't want a mercenary (...) Anthony, he's a thoughtful, humble, warm guy who doesn't get angry.

And he proved it again last weekend: the Montagnarde goalkeeper screamed and bulged his chest after stopping the first two shots on goal.

He knew how to stay calm and did not panic.

"

This maturity is appreciated on the banks of the Thouet.

In particular with a group passed to 80% by a training center, including that of the neighbor Angevin, but without any having known the elite.

What if this series of exploits precisely offered them an unexpected showcase?

"Obviously, I want some people to bounce back properly in a club that allows them to make a living from football," he says, "but be careful, you have to build a real project and nab a L2 or National club".

His turn, he insists that he has already passed.

“If it had to happen, it would have happened before.

We must not hide our face.

Nobody needs a goalkeeper soon to be 32 from the amateur world ”.

He imagines his future in the long term in Anjou, between his insurance brokerage company in Angers, the jewelry store managed by his wife, in Saumur, and their 6-year-old child.

The music of the PSG ultras thoroughly in the locker room

In any case, do not go and see behind his extra-sporting projects a hint of renunciation, buried anger or bitterness.

He speaks happily about his five years spent at the Camp des Loges.

From his amazement at Old Trafford for an international tournament, from those frenzied “clasico” evenings in the training center's auditorium, but also from his many intact friendships.

Four years ago, David N'Gog invited him to his wedding.

Alexandre Letellier, PSG goalkeeper number three, for his part welcomed him to his home recently, and became one of his clients - just like a certain Juan Bernat or the former Angevin Baptiste Santamaria.

Some members of the staff, including his former youth coach David Bechkoura, also wrote him congratulatory messages after his qualification on Saturday.

Sign of visceral attachment to PSG, he even made the trip to Anfield in September 2018, to support the Parisians against Liverpool (3-2 defeat).

“He talks to us about it all the time, sighs and smiles his teammate Quentin Bacha.

Anthony sometimes puts the music of the ultras in the locker room or when arriving by car at the stadium, fully open, with the windows open ”.

“The guys are pushing me around and telling me that I haven't mourned.

It's true that I come to training with my old equipment.

But that is normal.

I do not like the Marseille supporters who train with the Barça jersey, ”he tackles, hilarious.

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Unsurprisingly, this titi pure juice would have preferred to face the gang in Keylor Navas.

It will finally be Toulouse (L2) at home.

At least for this round.

Source: leparis

All sports articles on 2021-03-09

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