Toulouse. Idriss Firmesse, a promise to keep
Very successful last season for his first steps with the professional group, the young pivot of Fenix wants to confirm this year.
At not even 20 years old (his birthday is September 15), Idriss Firmesse has made a place for himself in the Toulouse professional group by starting preparation with Danijel Andjelkovic’s troupe last week. “Idriss already knows the group, he accelerated a lot last season and he’s a player you can count on,” said the Serbian coach.
A just reward for the one who is now number three in the hierarchy of pivots, behind Fredric Pettersson (2m02, 118 kg) and Tobbias Wagner (1m98, 130 kg). “When we have tasted it, we want more: the objective is to continue learning, to continue to progress”, affirms the young Francilien (1m90, 90 kg), arrived at the club three years ago and member apart from the reserve team which plays in National 1.
Always 100% with the pros
Decisive during the last exercise by bringing a point against Créteil thanks to an equalizer at the buzzer (3/3 that evening), Idriss has the distinction of always being 100% among the pros (10 games, 7/7) . “Yes, I saw that this summer. Well, I suspect that I will miss one, one day, but the idea is still that it lasts as long as possible”, laughs. he. “I must first perform in defense to then hope to have some playing time in attack,” warns Firmesse, who should have other opportunities to confirm his potential. If Pettersson seems irremovable, Wagner’s failed first season indeed puts the Austrian in the obligation to react. In an interview he gave us at the beginning of June, President Philippe Dallard did not hesitate to put some pressure on the solid shoulders of the latter: “He will have to pass the higher speed next season because the “little” Idriss comes behind and he pushes hard”. “We expect a lot more from Tobbias,” recalled Andjelkovic during the recovery.
Don’t count on the young shoot to show off the muscles. “Atypical”, he “doesn’t care” about a size that does not really correspond to the standards of the position and prefers to play the card of complementarity: “I have a very different profile from Fred or Tobias: I play on other aspects like speed or mobility.” Ready to use.