## Baptiste Reynet: From Goalkeeper to Impactful Striker
For Baptiste Reynet, transitioning from a goalkeeper to a striker is akin to embracing a new profession while utilizing the same fundamental tools. The native of Romans-sur-Isère has swapped his gloves for a striking position at US Mours in Drôme. Last season, Reynet made waves in his new role, scoring 16 goals and playing a pivotal part in the club’s historic ascent to R3.
### A New Role in Familiar Territory
Now donning the captain’s armband and the number 9 jersey, Reynet relished his new life on the pitch. “I’ve always said that when I stopped my career, I wanted to play striker in Mours,” he revealed. Returning to his roots, he aims to conclude his football journey with joy and nostalgia while engaging in sports coaching and specialized training sessions for both goalkeepers and attackers.
### Pity? Not in His Vocabulary
Contrary to the common sentiment of empathy towards goalkeepers, Reynet holds no such reservations when facing them. “Pity? Oh honestly no,” he laughs. “If I have to kick the goal to score, I’ll kick it.” Yet, he graciously approaches opposing goalkeepers after matches to exchange pleasantries. One thing he vows to avoid is the infamous panenka penalty, which he considers a sign of disrespect to his former colleagues.
### Utilizing His Goalkeeping Experience
Reynet believes that his years as a goalkeeper offer him a unique perspective that benefits his current attacking role. His extensive video analysis of opponents during his professional career allowed him to learn the hidden tricks of the trade. This background enables him to exploit the weaknesses of goalkeepers effectively. “I knew their preferred finishing areas, and where the ball should be placed on free kicks,” he noted, underlining his current tally of three free-kick goals this season.
### Embracing the Amateur Game with a Smile
While Reynet faces jokes from former professional players about his transition to amateur football, he takes it in stride. Amid his newfound challenges, he revels in the camaraderie of amateur football. Recent interactions with peers like Andy Delort, who once shared the pitch with him, keep his spirits high. “What I enjoy is the passion of it all,” he insists, reflecting on the emotional parallels between professional and amateur levels.
### A Life Beyond the Spotlight
Far removed from the limelight and stringent schedules, Reynet finds a more flexible lifestyle as an amateur player. “I’ve kept a professional routine, but I can also indulge in life’s little pleasures,” he stated. This newfound freedom lets him attend important family events and celebrate milestones without the pressure of a professional player’s commitments.
### Missing the Thrill of the Stadium
Despite his appreciation for amateur football, Reynet admits he misses the electrifying atmosphere of professional stadiums. Dreaming of representing the Blues in international competitions, he fondly recalls the adrenaline rush that comes with playing in front of passionate fans. “It’s not the same, but the thrill remains,” he concludes, pledging to continue lighting up the field for US Mours as long as he can.
In this new chapter, Baptiste Reynet is a shining example of versatility in football, skillfully blending two different roles while embracing the joys of the game he loves.