The new coach Michel Poinsignon does not “want to promise the moon” to Sporting Toulon supporters

Decidedly, Michel Poinsignon must be patient. After twelve months of inactivity, the new coach of Sporting club Toulon (he succeeded Ludovic Batelli on January 10) found a bench but, since then, has seen two matches postponed due to the Covid.

Never mind, the former Annecy technician took the opportunity to go around the owner and calmly prepare for the match against Louhans-Cuiseaux on Saturday (kick-off at 5 p.m.).

The calendar gave you an extra week. How was the preparation for the match?

Very well, like every back to school if I may say so. The players were studious, attentive. Now, only Saturday’s result counts, we’ll see if it passes.

In what physical and psychological state did you recover your players?

There was work upstream before I arrived, I think it was well done in ideal conditions. The staff responded.

Did you really notice any disparity?

Absolutely not, don’t make me say what I don’t want to say because I don’t want to judge the work that has been done before me. In the current situation, the players need to regain confidence. It goes through the game, but also through a staff that remains positive, punctuality, discipline… I’m not making this up, these are things of life. So far, things are going well overall. I had nothing to say, and it’s not jargon: if I have something to say about it, I’ll say it.

“Bon-Rencontre, a real football stadium”

Do you feel a healthy emulation in the group?

Yes, and that’s what I told them from the start: we’re starting off with a blank page. There is no young or old status, with me the best will play.

Does this mean that young people will play?

Certainly. I will trust local young people, yes.

How to revive long-time absentees?

It will depend on our results. Today, places are expensive. It is not because you were suspended that you are sure to find your place.

Do you fear the multiplication of match postponements?

For the moment no, because I believe that there is a break every month to reschedule the updates. But there shouldn’t be any more in the future. I prefer to play. It’s been three weeks since we played, it’s not an advantage.

You will also find Bon-Rencontre, this time on the azure and gold bench. Impatient?

I can’t wait, yes. Bon-Rencontre is a real football stadium, without an athletics track. The supporters are warm, I hope they will be behind us in difficult times, we need them.

The bleachers empty. What should be done to bring the public back?

I’m not going to sell you the moon: today, we need victories. Only victory counts and will bring the public back. This is what drives us as top athletes. We’re not going to have flamboyant football if we don’t win.

Do you already see how to evolve tactically?

I’m not going to revolutionize everything. I watched the previous matches, there is good and we will keep it. Afterwards, it depends on the opponent, it is not fixed.

Are you considering additional reinforcements?

It’s always the same thing: if an opportunity arises, we’ll take it, but that’s not the priority today. You know, attackers who score goals, we are looking for them at all levels and it is not common.

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