The scene takes place before the start of training this Thursday for FC Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois (N3).
On a synthetic pitch at the Léo-Lagrange stadium, coach Emmanuel Dorado speaks to his players.
“We’re not going to change anything.
There are 10 league matches remaining.
We begin the countdown to the home stretch on Saturday.
I count on you.
We are traveling to Linas-Montlhéry to win and not to avoid losing.
Does it work guys?
»
After eight months of competition, the Essonne team achieved the feat of being the only team in France to remain undefeated since the start of the season in the first five national championships (from L1 to N3).
Better than PSG, Auxerre or Red Star who outrageously dominate the top three levels of French football!
Sainte-Geneviève occupies first place in group H of N3 with 9 wins and 7 draws.
“We hate defeat!” says striker Sita Diarra (3 goals) who arrived during the off-season from Chevilly-Larue at department level (D1).
“It’s unexpected to find ourselves in such a situation but we are very happy.
The atmosphere is magnificent.
We hope that this will continue.
»
“The objective was only to maintain itself”
“I am happy for them because I know the sacrifices they make,” insists the Essonne technician.
Maintenance is already acquired, now it's just fun even if we still want to finish in the top three.
»
However, Sainte-Geneviève FC has come a long way.
Last season, the amateur club, then in N2, found itself in turmoil after serious incidents during the post-match against Boulogne-sur-Mer on March 25, 2023. Five players received suspensions ranging from 10 matches at two years old.
The club, penalized by 4 points, was finally relegated to N3.
“This event stuck in my throat.
We were singled out for something we were victims of, says Dorado.
This hastened our descent.
Many players have left (18 departures).
It was necessary to rebuild a group with the few veterans who remained plus 15 new ones from the lower divisions.
The objective was only to maintain itself.
»
The FC Sainte-Geneviève players train at the end of the day because they all have a job on the side.
The mayonnaise has set.
Very quickly.
The Essonniens did not lose any of their 7 preparation matches then 16 of N3.
The only setback was conceded in the Coupe de France against Racing (N2), 16th finalist in the competition (beaten 1-0 by Lille).
The strength of the Génovéfains lies in their iron defense with only 6 goals conceded in 16 matches, or one goal conceded every two and a half matches.
Impressive !
“We are very strong, we like to suffer for each other,” declares guard Vivien Cédille, who works as a VTC driver.
We are proud of our journey but it is not over.
If we could finish the season undefeated we wouldn't be far from the climb.
We know it's going to be complicated until the end.
Every team wants to beat us.
»
“Even if we remain humble, the goal is to move up”
Among the experienced players, Noui Laïfa (37 years old), who played for Gazelec Ajaccio (L2) and Paris FC (Nat.), shows the way to the new players.
Last year, he was attacked by Boulogne supporters during incidents.
“We were vengeful, we wanted to give everything for the club,” says the defensive midfielder.
Many new players have integrated well.
It's extraordinary, I enjoy it every day.
Since I've been playing football, this is the first time I've been on a team that went undefeated until March.
We will remember this journey all our lives.
»
He adds: “The coach told us that we were going to end up losing one day but we refuse defeat.
Even if we remain humble, the goal is to move up.
»
In the standings, Sainte-Geneviève (which has one game less against the red lantern Montrouge) sits at the top of group H with three lengths ahead of 2nd (Balagne) and 4 ahead of 3rd (Lusitanos Saint-Maur).
Only the first one accesses the N2.
This Saturday, the Génovéfains therefore go to Linas-Montlhéry (4th) for a balanced 91 derby.
“It will be a big and good match, we can’t wait to be there,” announces Vincent Cédille.
With the desire to stretch this crazy invincibility even further.