Matthieu Jalibert, talented fly half for Union Bordeaux-Bègles, is going through a period marked by unexpected tensions. Not linked to his performances, but to a departure from the France group in the middle of the November tour. At press conferences and in the columns of South Westthe player returned to his relationship with coach Fabien Galthié and to a disturbing detail: the leak of his confidences, initially shared within the framework of the psychological unit made available to the Blues.
A departure that raises questions
During the November tour, Jalibert surprised everyone by hastily leaving the group France. A situation that he decided to clarify in a recent interview. “I had things to say (to Fabien Galthié) since the World Cup. I didn't find the right timing to be able to do it. I confided in the mental preparation unit and Patrick Arlettaz […]and it came back to his ears.”
A confession that challenges. Originally, discussions with the psychological unit should have remained confidential. However, they quickly reached Fabien Galthié, provoking a dialogue between the player and his coach. Jalibert does not hide his disappointment: “What I regret is that it came back to Fabien's ears because I wanted to wait until the end of the Tour to talk to him about it.”
The role of Fabien Galthié in the decision
Faced with this unexpected return of his confidences, the player addressed his discomfort directly with the coach. The latter, according to Jalibert, quickly detected his need to take a break : “He told me that he didn't feel very well, that I could go home. So I told him that I preferred to go back. I needed to take a break, to mentally take a break from all that.”
We are very far from a departure by slamming the door, mentioned by the world of rugby afterwards. The coach quickly spoke at a press conference: “ It's his choice. Everyone experiences their emotions, everyone is free to share them. We need determination, strong players. » Should we conclude that according to Galthié, a player who expresses discomfort is not a strong and determined player? In an era where mental health is as important as physical health, the coach's reaction raises questions. “I expressed unease to Marcoussis and it fell on me,” summarizes the UBB player.
Despite this situation, Jalibert insists on the absence of tensions: “There was no extra-sporting problem, no confusion, nothing like that. […] It was done in a healthy way.”
A debate on confidentiality within the Blues?
If the decision of Jalibert and Galthié seems mutually accepted, the origin of the problem remains in question. The psychological unit of the XV of France, supposed to guarantee a safe speaking space for the playershas here failed in its mission of confidentiality. Jalibert does not hide his frustration: “We have a cell to talk about our frustrations, our disappointments, our discomfort… it is made for that.”
This leak raises a question: to what extent can a player speak confidently without fearing that his words will be transmitted to his management? Jalibert's story could well call into question the management of mental health within national teams.
A player always ready for the Blues
Despite this episode, Matthieu Jalibert reaffirms his attachment to the XV of France: “I would like to remind you that I have not ended my international career […]. For me, there is nothing better than selection. I'm always ready to come up if I'm called upon.” A statement which shows his professionalism, but also his hope to quickly turn the page on this complex episode.
