"I hope to see some great football, like last season": Cannes fans returned to the Pierre-de-Coubertin stadium this Friday, August 22

The smell of freshly cut grass, the stands filling up, the music blaring and the loud applause for the players entering the pitch: after more than three months of waiting, the supporters finally saw Coubertin and his Dragons again on the evening of Friday, August 22.

Cannes fans returned to their home turf as Hyères hosted the second matchday of the National 2 league. The last time was on May 17, against Andrézieux-Bouthéon in the final matchday of the N2 league (a 3-1 victory).

And while they weren't able to see their players during preseason—the stadium was undergoing renovations, so the club "relocated" two friendly matches behind closed doors to the new annex pitch at Les Mûriers, while broadcasting them on YouTube—the fans were eagerly awaiting this return. "Our run in the Coupe de France, which took us to the semi-finals, rekindled a great flame for many supporters," confided Loïc, 41, a few minutes before kickoff. "The stadium was full and the players made us dream. We know we certainly won't repeat the same run this season, but if we could get promoted to Ligue 3..."

Continuing a dynamic?

Because next season, the current National League – where the club played until 2011 – will become professional and take the name Ligue 3. "It will be another dimension," confirms Arnaud, proudly sporting his dragon-adorned jersey. "But first, we have to finally get out of this National League 2."

Getting out of the N2 is also Clément's wish, a Cannes supporter since the age of 7. "Last season, the team was able to create momentum. I'm waiting to see if it continues, with a squad that hasn't changed too much. But what I hope is to see some good football, like last season. If it weren't for a poor start, we would already be in N1."

And Laurent, originally from Les Adrets, continued: "If we don't lose at Coubertin this season, we can believe in promotion. Coubertin is our home, we have to be invincible. We've already done it in the past. It's up to us to do it again, we have the means."

A clear ambition, a loyal public and a flame still burning bright: at Coubertin, despite the Dragons' draw (1-1) yesterday evening, the season has only just begun.