Saturday's crucial match

At 6 p.m. on Saturday, Pau-Lacq-Orthez will host Saint-Quentin in a match that is fundamental for both teams.

Saint-Quentin's recent performance

Saint- Quentin has secured one prestige victory against Pierre-Ratte and faced Bourg, the Eurocup winner, with two defeats (against Limoges and against the Mans). Pau has experienced three defeats (against Nanterre, against Dijon in Béarn, and against Cholet).

Saint-Quentin's stability

Saint-Quentin, which experienced an unstable inter-season, has surprised with its tenacity. The Elan Béarnais has recently signed a major reinforcement with the Slovenian Gregor Hrovat, a former player for Dijon.

Both teams' goals

Both teams will have to fight this season to avoid the last two places. The 16th position is critical, and the 15th position of the play-off is slippery.

Thomas Cornely's perspective

Thomas Cornely (1.90 m, 35 years old) provided his point of view for L'Aisne Nouvelle.

Cornely on Saint-Quentin

Regarding the situation of Saint-Quentin, he declared: "I feel a bit sorry for them. We followed the decisions, the appeals, the counter-appeals, the postponements... We did not know on which foot to dance. From the outside, it did not change anything for my daily life, but for them, inside, it had to be horrible to live. With the uncertainties about the budget and the roster, having to redo everything at the last minute is not simple. I am happy for the club and its fans, who are really passionate."

Cornely on his stay in Pau

About his stay in Pau, he noted: "It's just fun. I take the seasons as they come. In Gravelines, the fire at Sportica was very difficult to live mentally. In the second year, we did as we could, but it was a bit of a patchwork. I needed a new beginning, to find a role and especially Mickaël (NDLR: Hay, who was his coach in Blois), a coach in whom I have confidence. I did not come to Pau just to play in Pro B. The goal was to move up. I feel very well and we will see where it goes."