The information was announced at the start of the match, this Sunday, December 22, between the Girondins de Bordeaux and Stade Rennais. Pierre known as Pierrot Labat died during the night from Saturday to Sunday. Within the Bordeaux club, he trained generations of players like Zidane, Lizarazu and even Tchouaméni and Koundé.
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He dedicated his life to the Girondins de Bordeaux. Pierre Labat, former trainer of the club, died on the night of Saturday December 21 to Sunday December 22. He was 88 years old. Information revealed by France 3 Aquitaine and confirmed by the club. “The Marine and White family in mourning, write the Girondins of Bordeaux. He marked the history of the Girondins with his passion and dedication.
Since then, on the networks, disbelief has been omnipresent. “Is Pierrot really dead?” asks a user. “It’s not possible”, takes another.
Originally from Brocas-les-Forges, in the Landes, Pierre Labat started at the club in 1952 as a full-back, before stopping early due to a ligament rupture at the age of 20.
He returned to the Girondins jersey in the 1980s, at the request of Didier Couécou, then sporting director of the club. He became an educator of juniors and pupils, before joining the training center as assistant to Philippe Goubet. There he discovered the method of the Yugoslav Ante Mladinic, which he would endeavor to apply throughout his career.
A method that has become “Pierrot Labat” which relies on the individual work of the players. Under his sharp gaze will pass big names in French football, from Bixente Lizarazu, to Christophe Dugarry via Zinédine Zidane or even more recently Aurélien Tchouaméni and Jules Koundé.
In 1998, he permanently became assistant coach of the club, called by Elie Baup. He remained there until 2005, before resuming missions, occasionally, with young people and professional players whom he trained individually.
Despite his withdrawal from club activity, Pierrot Labat continued to maintain a strong link with the Girondins. During the 100th anniversary of the Chaban-Delmas stadium, Pierre Labat wanted to communicate his love for the club, despite a physical condition which prevented him from going there. “I experienced so many emotions there, so many matches, so many players, so many supporters… I can never thank FC Girondins de Bordeaux enough for allowing me to experience this unforgettable adventure,” he confided last May.
More previously, the former trainer reacted last August to the club's situation. “I am distressed to see this situation from the height of my 88 years, declared Pierre Labat. The club sank because of poor financial management by its leaders and its President, questionable sporting choices and an obvious lack of serious work from some of them. They lack the passion for football and FC Girondins de Bordeaux.”
Since the announcement of his death, many figures of French and Girondin football have paid tribute to the man who knew how to create “a before and an after”.
