a former international claims to have been destroyed by criticism on the networks

Maxime Machenaud decided to take his courage in both hands and confide with an open heart. The 35-year-old player is reaching the end of his career and the current Bayonne scrum-half (Top 14) has decided to speak to Midi Olympique about social networks and criticism. The one who has 15 years as a professional, with stints at Bordeaux-Bègles, Agen, Racing 92 and therefore Bayonne, spoke about the criticism on the networks towards players and their impact. And he was very honest in claiming to have been destroyed by these criticisms, especially at the start of Twitter, he who consulted doctors to get through it. The former French XV international (38 caps) had strong words on this subject.

Machenaud opens his heart

“I didn't protect myself at all at the beginning. It was the beginning of Twitter, a network which is great when everything is going well for you. […] In the French team, you have really higher media coverage. I couldn't have dreamed of a better debut. We give Argentina 40 points for my first selection and I score a try. On the November tour, we won all three matches. You look at what people say about you. The danger is that it flatters your ego. This is not your self-assessment. You think people are right when they say you're the best. When everything is going well, it's beautiful, it's all rosy… We lose the first match of the Tournament in Italy. There, you also look at what people think of you. I was 23 years old. It's quite violent. I had very difficult times with the Blues. […] A negative comment can push you to prove people wrong, but it can also destroy you. You know, I went to see a psychologist about the negative comments and social networks. The only thing to do, and it's hard once you start, is to stop looking. […] I suffered a lot because of Twitter in the France team. I don't hide it. I went to someone to sort this out. […]. I think that being able to convince yourself that people who criticize behind a screen do it simply out of jealousy, out of fear, or because they feel too involved is already a big step. Not reading is really even better,” confided Machenaud, very honest on this subject and who hopes to be heard by young players with a view to protecting them.