Moatassim Rhennam, coach of C’Chartres BM: “There is only one truth, that of the pitch!”

From the end of training on Thursday at noon, the Chartrains basketball players traveled the rest of the day by bus to reach Tarbes, 773km further on, in the heart of the Pyrenees. In a room that he discovered in 2017 with Aubenas, Moatassim Rhennam, the new coach of C’Chartres BM, expects a lot from his players for this resumption of the competition after a short two-week rescue break.

Moatassim Rhennam, did this thirteen day break, after two defeats including the home one against Loon Plage (69-81), did it help you?

I think it was beneficial. I feel a freshness in the group, more enthusiasm and daily momentum in the work. At the same time, it’s difficult to judge, I had planned a friendly match (against Cergy-Pontoise, last Friday, ed) which was cancelled. I’m a bit in the dark… This is the observation before this shot.

In terms of numbers, will it have allowed all your players to get back in shape?

All have resumed and is operational. I feel the boys are ready both physically and mentally. Ready to go on a long run of eight games in four weeks. It’s going to be pretty intense…

The last two games have been defeats, has that had a big impact on you?

There was tiredness, the fate of all the rest of the teams. As for the game in Rennes, I find that there was a “game”. After that, it’s victory or defeat. Sometimes it’s the sport that decides, there it was. I don’t have too many regrets, even if we would have hoped to win. On the other hand, with us against Loon Plage, no! It was a difficult performance for the whole group to accept. But everyone had the ability to question themselves. Individually, the players had no doubts about this! They were able to recognize that we weren’t up to par, individually. We managed to be part of the match, just by reaction. We took a little lesson, at home, it’s never pleasant…

Second defeat of the week for C’Chartres BM

At the moment yes, but maybe it will trigger a good reaction?

This is what we all hope for. Now, there is only one truth, that of the camp! We’ll see what happens.

What is the profile of this Tarbes-Lourdes Union?

It is a well-organized team, on the collective. Danger can come from anywhere, she cooperates a lot on both sides of the field. The scoring hierarchy is not established, everyone is involved. These teams, when they play at home, are a real threat. We’ll find out.

Have you planned a “little strategy”?

Yes, of course… But the main strategy will be to rediscover our values, especially the acquired ones. Defensively, we’ve been building since the start of the season, we’ve been making progress. You need to clear this setback, by tackling Loon Plage, to start moving forward on the defensive side. This will be the main focus of this match.

Herve Paraut
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