Joël Sami, the 28-year-old Franco-Congolese defender for AS Nancy Lorraine (ASNL), has expressed his shock at the behavior of Nancy supporters following the team’s defeat against Rennes. Sami believes that gaining confidence is crucial for the team to overcome challenges.
Key points from the statement:
- Supporter Behavior: Sami mentioned that during the match against Rennes, the players were not helped by the public, who displayed banners and whistled at them. After the match, a group of supporters, around 30 to 50 individuals, entered the locker room. Sami and the team were disappointed, as this invasion of privacy was not appreciated.
- Violent Interaction: According to Sami, the fans claimed they were coming to talk, but their approach was quite violent. They were jumping, screaming, and the atmosphere was confrontational. The players pushed them back without engaging in a physical fight, using light blows to keep them at a distance.
- Personal Background: Sami’s football journey includes joining the Valencia club at the age of fifteen and later moving to Amiens, where he played a significant role in the central defense. He came close to reaching Ligue 1 during the 2006-2007 season. Eventually, he signed with ASNL in January 2008, although injuries delayed his debut in Ligue 1.
Joël Sami’s experience highlights the challenges that players face not only on the field but also in dealing with fan reactions and privacy issues. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive environment and finding ways to build confidence amid challenging circumstances.
