I think you would have liked to finish a little later in the season but the players showed a beautiful image of Albi?
We hoped better of course, especially for my last year, it’s been a long time since we’re trying but we can’t do it. Today, on the match, they were valiant but there is always our little problem of the season, discipline or a lack of opportunism. I want to congratulate Carcassonne because they were pragmatic, they knew how to seize the opportunities in the 1st half with the wind, we, in the 2nd period, we have foiled a little what makes them also have physical impact. It’s a shame because in 1st half, we really do a good performance but we are not paid so, on arrival, it makes an important score. Of course, we did not score but they tried to score tests, it did not work but congratulations anyway to the team, to this team of young people because we renewed, we were in reconstruction. We will still keep a large part of the workforce, they will take a year of maturity and I hope that next year, it is by advancing that it will be better.
A word on the Carcassonne club, a club that looks a lot like Albi?
Yes, we are a little similar, at all levels elsewhere, at the city level, if only the color. I find that they have a beautiful team, they are strong in front, they can also go far in the adventure, they have all their chances because, in addition, I found them intelligent in the game and physical in front so they can go far.
In 8 years at the presidency of Albi, there have been a bit “Olé Olé” moments but also good memories. What is the most beautiful you will keep?
Good memories are when you qualified directly for the semi-finals. My biggest regret remains the year of the covid where we had a great team and we could go to the end, we were national first and we did not do it, the year before, you know why, the Rouen match where we could not go up. Each time, we missed a little something but what makes you happy is this youth that has a lot of enthusiasm and commitment, a lack of maturity no doubt but they will have it and I count on them for the years to come.
Do you stop the presidency in a few weeks but you will remain supporting from Albi forever?
Of course and I will even continue to be at the club but I stop the presidency today, in the last match of the season. Today, the management will be made by the board of directors as we did a few years ago but I will always be there so we will continue.
In support of rucks as they say to rugby?
Absolutely and we’re going to prepare for the next season.
Interview by Loïc Colombié
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