The Agen rugby icon looks at the situation of his favorite club. He calls on the players to take more initiative on the pitch and the supporters to push hard behind the team.
We lend this Agen – Bayonne the last chance match qualifier. What do you think ?
I do not really agree. There are plenty of matches left. And by saying this, we emphasize that on the negative. Now, we must take the positive side of this meeting. I will say the game of the step forward, of hope for all those who love blue and white. What is done is done. There was questioning, an inventory. In the pre-match preparatory work, it is always advisable to go towards the positive, which provides additional energy, enlightens the players.
What is your analysis of the start of the AUS season?
The first match, in my opinion, “weighed down” us… This home defeat brought a reductive side, which pushed the players to retract thereafter. Against the Stade Français, the fighting spirit was there. But we saw two teams not released at all, locked. There was some combat, but no initiative. I think it comes from this Castres match. There is nothing worse to attack a season… However, in group life, everything is fine.
Agen supporters are indeed struggling to vibrate …
In Montpellier, I saw an SUA with other arrangements. The players let go more, started. It is this state of mind that must be had every day. However, I know it is easier said than done. When you go through a bad patch, it’s very complicated. But they still have to manage to let go while respecting the basics of rugby. In this sport, let’s not forget that the notion of combat is real: progress is essential. But it must not be contrary to that of taking initiative.
Why does it seem so complicated for the Agenais to manage to let go?
Already, we must understand that it is very hard to live each season with the ax of maintenance above your head. Psychologically, it’s exhausting, we are constantly under pressure. The players must have only one goal: progression. Each week, each training session, you have to have this desire to improve individually and collectively. In Agen even more, because each year, the team is largely renewed. So every year, there are young people who come up and recruits who arrive. This “lack of stability” gives rise to hope at the start of each season. Which must be realized by the progression of the players. We must not be afraid to dare, to take initiatives. The victory will be the consequence of these intentions which provoke a collective impetus.
Will Agen’s salvation come through play?
There are three determining aspects in my opinion: discipline, fighting spirit and initiative. When we talk about rugby, we talk about the ball. For that, you need a strict discipline, a clean conquest, even 50-50. And from there, the initiative and collective commitment can flow from it.
In our edition yesterday, Pépito Elhorga predicted a closed match between Agen and Bayonne.
This is the classic side of a clash between two teams from the second part of the standings. But we have to take the problem backwards. We must give ourselves the means to avoid being in this reducing context. The work of individual psychological preparation is very important. We must try to anticipate as much as possible the different scenarios of the match by finding positive solutions.
A word about the Bayonne team coming out of two heavy defeats?
Like last season, Rowing got off to a good start with two good performances against Clermont and in Paris. There, they have a bit of slack. In Lyon, I have identical memories of the SUA a few seasons ago… Against the Maritimes, I especially saw a very large La Rochelle and an unusual Bayonne. These are things that can happen. But I know that rarely happens twice …
At the end of the match against Stade Français, the audience expressed their dissatisfaction. We imagine that it hurt you …
We were almost at the same level with Stade Français. Come to think of it, it’s a test on a missed tackle and a somewhat short “inter” defender that makes the difference. But we saw two teams that have not changed pace. And then this last test comes from an uncontrolled action. It gives the image of an approximate team. I think that’s it, added to the disappointment of the loss. But I understand the audience. It’s hard for everyone. It is up to us, at the SUA, to be able to give an image of behavioral will, to be determined in the commitment and in the taking of initiative by bringing accuracy into the game. In this sense, in the Montpellier match, he there are things to use.
What do you want to say to the supporters in this complicated context?
I want to see an Armandie behind the 23 players and the staff. The public must provide additional confidence. When we play, we don’t always hear. But on stoppage, the encouragement brings additional energy. There is an euphoric side. Let us be united with Armandie!
Do you still believe in maintenance?
Obviously, there is a delay. Now all encounters must be played to be won. I am not Madame Soleil, everyone hopes to see the blue sky again. We will also have to see how our opponents evolve. But we must be in constant hope. Do you have to win matches? It is everyone’s investment. Because strength is union. Mistakes, there will always be. But they will be more easily forgiven if the team is invested, has taken initiatives.
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