– Yes, absolutely. The seasons are very long and demanding, both physically for the players and mentally and emotionally for the coaches. It is always very important to switch off and recharge with family or friends before the championship resumes. It is always nice to go home.
– With, in the middle of all this, a victory in the Corsica Cup with Squadra Corsa…
– It’s something that’s close to my heart, as well as to all the other players, wherever they play. It’s been several years since we played in Corsica, so it’s a satisfaction and a real pleasure to have been able to play here again and win this competition.
– You spent six months in Lorient as assistant coach. Has relegation been digested?
– Yes, it’s true that we’ve had six complicated months, even if, personally, it’s been very enriching for me. I’ve had the chance to work with a great staff and a competent coach (Editor’s note: Régis Le Bris), which has been beneficial for my learning in this new job and position.
– What did FC Lorient lack to stay in Ligue 1?
– It was a close call. Relegation is always complicated. But I think we’ve been missing a lot of things since the start of the season. Then, over the last six months, we had a good period that we weren’t able to continue and take advantage of. It’s a shame because, in the end, we went down by one goal. But the most frustrating thing was our seven games without taking a single point. That’s where everything ultimately came down to it.
– You played under Régis Le Bris, now Sunderland coach. How did your understanding go?
– It went very well. It was very enriching for me to be able to meet him. His way of working allowed me to evolve. I am new to this profession, having only known Franck Haise (former Lens coach). Régis is very competent and I am happy to have been able to work with him.
– What was your role over the last six months in Lorient?
– In this profession, everyone has different prerogatives depending on the clubs, coaches and staff in general. I had a fairly broad role, particularly in creating and leading training sessions. Régis Le Bris gave me a lot of space in the game project. We talked a lot about it, and that suited me.
– After some thought, you decided to extend the adventure in Lorient. Why?
– I had several requests, especially abroad and in France. But these six months in Lorient went well, I integrated well into the club. It is a healthy, family club, which suits me. After reflection, with my entourage and my loved ones, I decided that it was the project that could bring me the most in my training and my progression in this new profession, with a lot of responsibilities, which is what I am looking for today.
– You will work with Olivier Pantaloni, the former ACA coach. Did the Lorient leaders talk to you about it before signing him?
– Honestly, no. They approached me very quickly to extend the adventure with them. I asked them for some time to think about it so I could assess the options available to me. Then, they came back to the charge once Olivier Pantaloni had signed. I took the time to talk with him, because we didn’t really know each other, and I decided to continue the adventure. It’s surprising and exciting at the same time to find him again. He has a lot of experience as a coach. He knows this Ligue 2 very well. I’m happy to be able to work with a coach of this caliber and to find him again here in Lorient.
– With necessarily high objectives this season, given the club’s resources…
– I think that each club is still a little bit in a state of waiting, particularly in relation to the distribution of TV rights, to determine the means that they will invest in their teams. But yes, we must expect Lorient to play for promotion to Ligue 1 from next season. The Ligue 2 championship is very different from Ligue 1, but it is very difficult. It is never easy to go back up immediately after relegation. It will be a real challenge for us.
– By returning to Ligue 2, you will also cross paths with Corsican clubs, notably SC Bastia…
– Yes, I already looked at the dates. We play on November 23 in Furiani and May 3 in Ajaccio. As a Corsican, these are obviously dates that I am looking at. Personally, I would really enjoy seeing Furiani again.
– A club which recruited Frédéric Antonetti to direct sports policy. Do you think this is the right choice?
– I think it’s a real added value for the club, knowing the experience and career of Frédéric Antonetti. It’s a privilege for Sporting to have a professional of this caliber at the club. He will certainly help them grow.
