Full-back and striker Thomas Girard has returned from a broken thumb. As he is about to start a six-match mini-marathon with his club, he explains how to manage this particular period.
How did you prepare for this block of six matches?
We were supposed to have a full week after Biarritz but the weather conditions did not allow it. We did more fun before doing a big collective session on Thursday. The last two results also helped us to have less pressure. Friday, we were “off”.
And was this week suitable, given the marathon that awaits you?
This week is pretty standard. We are also lucky that our workforce is provided, there are few injuries at the moment. Indeed, there will be six matches including four trips (and two to come) but we have enough to deal with.
Will we see more rotations in the group?
I don’t know how the staff will manage this, we are not in the secret of the gods. But there will be attention, at some point, to workload. Because the sequence of weeks, especially in winter, is tiring.
More than in summer?
Yes, because the pitches are thicker, the game is more frontal for the forwards, so we recover less well from this kind of match. And the body tires faster in the cold. Overall it’s harder.
Following your fracture of the right thumb, you are strapped. Is this a sign of weakness or are you recovered?
It’s more of a shock protection. There is no sequel. The residual pain that is normal on a fracture prompts me to take this precaution.
What stands out from this Soyaux-Angoulême team, 15th at 4 points from the first non-relegation player?
It’s a team that has great qualities in attacking duels and has very good players. Soyaux-Angoulême manages to make good matches thanks to their propensity to put intensity. They almost beat Oyonnax, beat Agen… Angoulême knows how to get up to speed with major events. We therefore expect a difficult match.
What will be the key to beating them?
The strategic key is always the same, especially in winter. As soon as we control the conquest as against Biarritz, the occupation of the ground as against Biarritz and in Carcassonne, we have more favorable situations.
