How are you mentally recovering after this heavy defeat against Provence Rugby?
The most frustrating thing is to come away with zero points in a match where we had a lot of energy left. We were able to compete against a team that does not play in the same category as us. Aix is a very good team which has ambitions to climb into the Top 14, it has the squad to achieve it. What annoys me a little is our double face. Being able last week (during the home defeat against Aurillac 29-33, Editor's note) to be sufficient, and today (Friday evening) to show a positive face.
A positive face for more than an hour, but also too much indiscipline, including 11 penalties in the first period…
It is clear that we have certain failing sectors, notably discipline. Eleven penalties in 40 minutes, that's not possible. And if we add the three yellow cards, I think that Aix didn't need that to beat us. Then, we take four tries on carried balls, gifts for the Provençals on zero pass tries. It's rough.
Do you have any regrets about these maul phases, and about the three tries conceded in this sector?
The Provence Rugby pack is undoubtedly one of the most successful in Pro D2. We had already analyzed it, with a collective power which is complicated to counter. We tried to find alternation by collapsing, jumping or not, also trying to contain the Aixois. But we suffered in this sector without finding a solution. They are so massive that we have not been able to counter them.
CYRIL SOLLIER / LA PROVENCE
The injury recoveries of the “elders” Nicolas Garrault (photo) and Yann Brethous brought “character” to the Mons collective, according to Patrick Milhet.
There was turnover in your starting fifteen, with nine changes compared to Aurillac. Did you still have any satisfaction with certain entrants?
I cannot be satisfied by coming back empty. But I want to tell all the players that you have to have this determination and this behavior throughout all the matches. We must not adapt to the level of the opponent. We lost three times out of five at home but, if we had shown that face, I think we could have reversed the fate of these three defeats. Afterwards, the positive points lie in the returns of “Nico” Garrault and Yann Brethous, veterans who bring us a lot of character. Without forgetting the premiere of Baptiste Grulovic who was able to measure the gap between the Espoirs and the first team
How can we stop this negative spiral? What could be the trigger?
The trigger lies above all in the attitude and determination when you enter the pitch. We must progress in self-control. You can't win a match with three yellow cards in 80 minutes. We need to reconnect with our ball carrier. Afterwards, when you take 45 points, you shut up and prepare for the next match.
In fact, you are receiving co-leader Biarritz this Thursday. Do we approach this type of encounter differently?
We know that there are special matches coming up with this derby against Biarritz, before the Landes clash against Dax. The players pay particular attention to these meetings, as do our supporters. Obviously, we have rights and duties, and Stade Montois has a duty to fly our colors high.
