The Aiglons’ coach spoke to journalists for the first time since the lockdown was lifted. In a 15-minute session, he discussed the future of training sessions and the club’s ambitions for the Champions League.
I am happy to return to the training center, the assistants, and the players. Right away, the challenging questions are put on the table. But with his calm and smile. The former Cannes player revealed his objectives for the resumption and his results.
A return to the field in several stages
There should be an initial phase of medical tests. Several players are expected to arrive gradually. “I have met a few, but not everyone. We are in a period where we are interested in many players; our goal is always to improve.” The resumption on the field will take place from Thursday to Saturday. Collective work will start on Monday.
a mixed review
According to him, 5th place is not enough. The team has faltered at several levels. The fault lies with a group that is too young and needs to improve to succeed in the Champions League. “We must be better, more aggressive, and that’s why the players we have identified will bring us this lack of high-level experience, a taste for effort, and daily work.” He remains confident in his unchanged objectives: “to build a team capable of competing for European spots.”
An interesting transfer window
The new recruit, Morgan Schneiderlin, seems to have caught the club’s and Patrick Viera’s eye. “He’s a very interesting prospect; he’s a player looking for a challenge, which is interesting for us.” As for loans, particularly Adrien Tameze, the response was simple: “He will stay with Atalanta Bergamo to finish the season.”
Finally, concerning his contract, he responds frankly: “My contract is not the priority; the most important thing is to build a squad to be competitive and finish as far as possible.” He, along with Julien Fournier, is working tirelessly to find rare gems: “We have already identified the positions to improve and the player profiles. We need to work to reach agreements to recruit these players. We have time, but the work has already started.”
His objectives for the next season
Regarding the game, he declared that a change of strategy is not on the agenda. “Over the last two years, we’ve seen that most of the time we’ve used the 4-3-3 formation. Sometimes, we could play with three at the back and two forwards.” He wants to move forward and build a solid squad. That’s why he issued a warning to those unwilling to give their all: “There are some who have been left behind because the requirement has been raised a notch, and if the players are not ready to represent the club or give their all, they will remain behind.”
A coach with a good mindset
The former French team player wants to be both firm and authoritative but also attentive to his players. “I have always put authority in decisions and communication. I like to communicate with people. I communicate well with people and have no hesitation in conveying a message.”
He brushes off controversies with a wave of his hand. The most important thing for him is to move forward and act based on the situation. “As a coach, I am here to train, and there are people who are there to take those responsibilities and make decisions by weighing the pros and cons of what it can bring or not. As a coach, we will adapt to move to 22, but it’s not up to me to make the decision.”
