The center of Stade Rochelais and the XV of France, Jonathan Danty, gave an unfiltered testimony on his current state of form, his club performances, and his future in the blue jersey. Between lucidity and determination, the 32-year-old spoke via L'Equipe about the expectations of Ronan O'Gara in La Rochelle and those of Fabien Galthié in the national team.
A saving pre-season, but a level halfway
Jonathan Danty does not hide his observation: iHe is not at the top of his form. « The pre-season did me good, but I think the level I have now is far from what I had last year. It is also very far from that of 2-3 years ago. There we are, we are in between. »
Lucid about his fluctuating performances with La Rochelle, he admits: “ Like our collective performances, mine are plugged into alternating current. This lack of consistency is a big problem that I had during my career. » Aware of his flaws, Danty emphasizes the importance of rapid progression: “ The goal is to get back to my best level fairly quickly. »
O'Gara's requirements: regularity above all
Under the orders of Ronan O'Gara, Stade Rochelais expects more stability from its powerful center. The Irish technician was clear: “ I don't need to have you one match at 8/10 and another time at 2/10, I need to have you at least 5/10 on all matches. » A message that Danty has perfectly integrated: “With my profile, I think he is right. » This self-criticism does not seem to slow him down, quite the contrary. If his performances with La Rochelle still fluctuate, Danty shows a desire to continue working to meet the high expectations of his coach.
On the side of the XV of France, the situation is also delicate. Danty does not hesitate to position himself in the hierarchy of centerss : « Considering the players who have been called up, I consider that today I am perhaps the 8th or 9th choice at center. » He also recognizes the words of Fabien Galthié on the subject of the tricolor jersey: “ I gave others the opportunity to try it. » Despite this uncomfortable position, communication with the coach remains open: “ Fabien told me that he was still counting on me, but that he wanted to see other profiles. » A franchise that the player appreciates and which motivates him to continue fighting.
Always want to wear the blue jersey
Danty nevertheless remains driven by the ambition of wearing the French XV jersey again. “ If he tells me clearly that he doesn't count on me, I will move on, but for now, I still want to wear the blue jersey. » Between frustration and hope, he keeps his feet on the ground and knows that the road will be strewn with pitfalls to regain the trust of the French staff.
With a fighting mentality and exemplary self-criticism, Jonathan Danty shows that he has not said his last word. Whether in La Rochelle or in Bleu, the objective remains the same: regain your best level and offer your team all the consistency it needs.
