The president of Stade Rochelais Vincent Merling gathered his players at the start of the week to confide in them his dissatisfaction after the poor performance of the Jaune et Noir in Saint-Sébastien against Bayonne. The Rochelais will have to raise their heads on Sunday evening with the reception of Union Bordeaux-Bègles, impressive leader at the start of the season.
Vincent Merlin is not a loud-mouthed president. Even less inclined to speak up untimely or to interfere in the sporting field to give his opinion or add his two cents at any time. So when the history of the club decides to address the players, it is because the situation deserves to be raised.
Tuesday October 15, therefore, Vincent Merling brought together the entire La Rochelle workforce, as reported by Sud Ouest, to confide his dissatisfaction to them. Present in San Sebastián and aware of the absolute non-match produced by his players against Bayonne (37-7), the president with the longest longevity in the Top 14 made his players understand that such a copy should not be reproduce. As the daily explains, it is above all the manner and attitude of his people which disturbed the founder of Maison Merling given the unwavering support of the many La Rochelle supporters and partners.
Expected reaction against UBB
Indeed, facing the transcended Bayonnais, Grégory Alldritt’s teammates quickly lowered their heads after a nightmarish start to the match. What was surprising – beyond a defeat that can happen even to the best team in the world – was the renunciation that the Yellow and Black seemed to show in a game where nothing happened as planned.
After the slap received in Spain, Grégory Alldritt fully assumed his role as captain during the press conference, speaking directly to the supporters “I want to apologize to the supporters who came for a performance like that, it really hurts my heart.” Manager Ronan O’Gara also spoke directly. “Tonight, we lost more than one match, sighed the former Munster opener. With this kind of match, you lose credibility, respect. You don’t play like that if you’re a real family. Can you imagine? When your wife or your children watch this…”
If the two strong men of the Champions Cup double had put words to the maritime woes after the debacle, this “presidential remonstrance” at the start of the week should motivate the Rochelais even more on Sunday evening; them who welcome a leading Bordeaux to Deflandre and impressive since the start of the season.
France
Rugby
