One too many defeats for the MHR manager. After losing at home to Toulouse, the Montpellier club have decided to part ways with Xavier Garbajosa. “After a detailed analysis of our sporting situation, Montpellier Hérault Rugby and Xavier Garbajosa have decided to put an end to their collaboration “, explained the MHR in a communicated. “We would like to thank Xavier Garbajosa for everything he has brought to the club“.
The former international and Stade Toulousain player took office in the summer of 2019. Relations have been strained lately with the president of Montpellier, Mohed Altrad. The club however wanted to thank its ex-manager. “Xavier put a lot of energy and passion into his work (…). He also helped to support and reveal our internationals. There will therefore remain a ‘Garbajosa’ imprint within the MHR and we would like to thank him warmly for all his actions “
The former coach of the XV of France, Philippe Saint-André, succeeds him as manager until the end of the season. He arrived at the Hérault club in March 2020, as director of rugby. Coach of the France team from 2011 to 2015, he had previously coached the clubs of Gloucester, Bourgoin, Sale and Toulon. He therefore resumes service on the bench, at 53, and will be supported by the coaches Jean-Baptiste Elissalde, former assistant coach in the French team under Jacques Brunel and Olivier Azam |, they also arrived in the Hérault shortly after PSA. Azam knows Saint-André well for having been his player in Gloucester. It is therefore a particularly experienced staff who now aims to save the essential.
Nine defeats in twelve matches
The situation has indeed become very worrying for Montpellier. The numbers speak for themselves: the club are currently on a nine-game losing streak in twelve matches and have not scored a try for 278 minutes of play in the Top 14. On Saturday, he lost again to home against Toulouse (9-16), sinking even further in the general classification.
Montpellier goes to Lyon this Wednesday, on the occasion of a late match. The meeting promises to be difficult against a top team. But an away success could allow the Montpellierains to breathe a little bit and get back on track.
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