Posting since the start of the season, the youngest coach of the Top 14 (43 years old) allowed the MHR, accustomed to turbulence, to find serenity and to replay the leading roles.
Accustomed to snoring names, Mohed Altrad surprised his world when he appointed Joan Caudullo at the head of the Montpellier Hérault Rugby. No more Fabien Galkié, Jake White, Vern Cotter, Xavier Garbajosa and other Philippe Saint-André, so many renowned technicians known to the general public. In the offseason, the Montpellier President decided to launch a “young vintage”, Joan Caudullo, 43 years old and former boss of the training center, surrounded by other alumni of the house MHR: Geoffrey Doumayrou and Benoît Paillaugue, all fresh Retired from the land and not yet quarantine. “It's a big challenge”, had recognized the strong man of the MHR.
Not easy when you know the club's ambitions, crowned champion of France in 2022, which remained in a nightmarish season with miraculous rescue in Grenoble (28-18), during the accession dam. “We experienced trauma last year, but we have to move on. We have to grow, learn quickly as the high level imposes ”, had recognized Geoffrey Doumayrou at the start of the year, in charge of the defense. “We are trying to bring players to gain responsibility and weight on the strategy. We try to empower guys ”, Explained the former international three-quarter passed by Stade Français Paris and the Rochelais stadium.
When I see Joan, I feel like I go back 30 years. It's applied, it works well
Bernard Laporte
The restart had been laborious, sluggish with only six small points gleaned during the five days. Before finding certainties and restoring the machine on the way. Solid, finally effective. It is in all other provisions that Montpellier moves this Saturday (2 p.m.) in Toulouse, deprived of many internationals for the opening of the duplicate period. The MHR, which remains on seven consecutive victories in all competitions, is indeed in power. Like his full cardboard in the Cup challenge to qualify in the round of 16.
Accelerated training for Caudullo which has run the MHR training center since its return to its training club in 2020, after having held the same functions in Mont-de-Marsan (Pro D2) at the end of its career in 2017. The former hooker is a pure MHR product: he had notably participated in the first MHR top 14 final under the orders of Fabien Galkié, in 2011 (defeat against Toulouse), before joining the Landes club in 2012.
-Its promotion is part of the Hérault club's desire to cultivate its local identity. The experience of the “Dream Team” made up of Patrice Collazo, with Vincent Etcheto and Christian Labit as assistants, was only temporary, once the mission is completed (in pain). Under the eye of Bernard Laporte, Joan Caudullo learns quickly, knows how to delegate. Time is counted, but well managed, whether training sessions or meetings. Laporte entrusted it to Midi Libre : «When I see Joan, I feel like I go back 30 years. It's applied, it works well. He knows it is he who is exposed. I am here to help him, advise him if necessary. ”
Bernard Laporte has so much experience that he sees things that I don't see, he knows how to put focus
Joan Caudullo
The person concerned appreciates the help and advice of the former XV coach of France (2000-2007). Laporte “Has a lot of experience, and in terms of awards, it must be one of the best in France. He trained very young and I think I was the youngest manager in the championship. So I was very clear with him, telling him that I needed him, the cunnon caudullo in Midi Olympic. He doesn't particularly need me on the other hand! He has so much experience that he sees things that I don't see, he knows how to put focus … “
Despite the turbulence that continues to agitate the club (Haouas or Hogg affairs), the MHR seems to have (finally) gaining in serenity. An united group, ready to replay the leading roles. “We really feel that the group is in the same direction. Whether you win or lose, it's one thing, it doesn't matter, it's rugby. But on the other hand, we are all concentrated, Recently underlined the third-line Marco Tauleigne at a press conference. So the goal is to continue the work you are building, give the maximum and try to scratch places. ”
Before this 15th day of the Top 14, Montpellier returned to the doors of the Top 6 (7th with two points behind La Rochelle, 6th). The MHR has not lost since the end of November and a short setback (9-6) on the lawn of the UBB, whose offensive striking force had been muzzled. After the last victory dated in Top 14 (against Bayonne 42-10), Joan Caudullo was enjoying but did not stop there: “Winning as we did is good, chaining victories is good. I am proud of the players because it was not easy at the start of the season. I have the feeling that players want to play more than support. Our game is to put pressure on the opponent. This is a base that we built. It must be the evolution of our game if we want to be in the first six … ” The MHR – which has no more players selected with the XV of France – will pass a test this Saturday in Toulouse which will be deprived of its internationals. The best time to succeed?
