Thirty-three years that AS Cannes was waiting for this. Semi-finalist of the Coupe de France, the resident of Nationale 2 had not been at such a party since 1992. The Riviera club then played in the elite and had not lost to penalties against the neighbors of Monaco (0-0, 5 tab at 3).
In the Cannes ranks, in particular, evolved a certain Zinedine Zidane. But other big names were by his side, including Luis Fernandez, one of the club legends. As much for his three seasons spent as a player as for his first steps as a coach, marked by a comeback in the first division while the club had been relegated to the wake of this French Cup semi-final then a sixth place in the elite.
Four months after his arrival on the bench of AS Cannes, Luis Fernandez celebrates the rise in D1.
The appointment of Luis Fernandez on the Cannes bench had been a real surprise since the European champion had not yet hung up the crampons. “I become coach because the results were not good, remembered Tenerife's native for RMC. It was a difficult, difficult situation. We had descended and Francis arrived at the head of AS Cannes. I don't know who sent it to me, but I was really happy to find him. He was my first president at Paris Saint-Germain and he is someone exceptional, with whom we had a good time. When the situation has become difficult in terms of sport, he asks me if I feel able to take this team in hand. »»
Luis Fernandez left after eighteen months
Not wishing to become a player-player, Luis Fernandez puts an end to his player career and saw the beginning of the dream in the Coach's job by going up Cannes after play -offs against Valenciennes. “It's a madman who is very wise, could savor Francis Borelli. He must channel his follies but he knows how to be reasonable. He is an intelligent, clever man. »»
But the most beautiful tribute was the work of his players. “He's a coach friend. We all want to please him. His message has passed. He is extraordinary and I think we have knocked on mountains to please him ”then confided Pierre Lestage, Franck Priou adding: “He's varnished. Everything he touches, he succeeds. Four months ago, I was asked if Luis coach, it would be good, I said that with the luck he has, he is able to take us to the first division and it did not miss. »»
And the beautiful story was not going to stop there since the following season, Luis Fernandez was going to drive the French Riviera to the sixth place in the first division with a qualification for the UEFA Cup. A success that did not go unnoticed at PSG, his former club, ready to make it his new coach.
