There is a growing sense of belief inside Lille Métropole TT as they prepare for the opening leg of the ETTU Europe Cup Men semi-final against Real Club Cajasur Priego TM.
For coach Mathis PRODHOMME, the feeling is clear, the team is arriving at the right moment.
“The team’s form is pretty good, the momentum is there,” PRODHOMME said. “We had a tough season in our league, but our run in the European Cup has been fantastic so far.”
Lille’s path to the semi-finals has been anything but routine. While the Round of 16 against SKST Havirov was relatively controlled, the quarter-final against STK Vyhne pushed them to their limits.
“In the Round of 16, the players were solid, we weren’t really troubled,” PRODHOMME explained. “But in the quarter-finals, a few matches won in golden sets could have turned the tide. It was much closer.”
The second leg in particular tested the team’s character.
“It started badly; we lost the first match. But the guys fought hard to come back and win the second leg.”
That comeback says a lot about this Lille side young, hungry, and unwilling to give up.
Now, with a place in the final within reach, Lille are not hiding their ambitions.
“Our expectations are high; we’re going to try to reach the final and give it our all,” said PRODHOMME.
At the same time, he is clear about what defines his team.
“Our strengths are our great team spirit, a fairly young team, and a real desire to perform. Of course, the fans will also be there at home to support us.”
Facing Real Club Cajasur Priego TM, Lille expect another step up in difficulty.
“We’re expecting a tough match against a very good team. Every match will be important; it will come down to the details.”
Preparation is already focused on those margins.
“We’re going to focus on tactics; we still have a few details to iron out.”
And when it comes to what will make the difference, PRODHOMME does not hesitate:
“It will come down to courage, tactics, and the will to win. I hope we can bring all of that together.”
Interestingly, this semi-final also brings an element of unpredictability.
“I don’t think we’ve ever played them before,” PRODHOMME admitted.
That lack of direct experience adds another layer to the tie, where adaptation and in-match decisions could prove decisive.
While Lille’s European campaign has been impressive, their domestic season has been more demanding. Still, they have achieved their primary objective.
“We managed to stay in Pro B; we’re safe. Now we’re focusing on the European Cup. Then we’ll start working on next year.”
With momentum on their side, strong team unity, and a clear belief in their identity, Lille Métropole TT approach the semi-finals ready to embrace the challenge. In matches where “every detail” will matter, they are counting on courage, discipline, and the energy of their home crowd to push them one step closer to the final.
