SM Caen. How did Stade Malherbe choose Baltazar?

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“I know that no one knows me in France, and distrust is normal.” If he showed himself to be particularly ambitious, this Tuesday, December 31, 2024, during his official presentation, Bruno Baltazarthe new coach of SM Caen (Calvados)also displayed his lucidity. At 47 years old, after a tortuous journey, he was not born last year. The Portuguese coach is aware that his arrival surprised the microcosm of football.

A list of five coaches

So how did the weed leaders choose it? By chance, Baltazar? Not in the least, according to Ziad Hammoud, the president of Stade Malherbe.

We established specifications, around technical-tactical considerations, the style of play we wanted, the balance between modern football and the DNA of the club, but also on human values.

Five technicians – three French people and two French-speaking foreigners (“an essential”, insists Ziad Hammoud) – met the criteria laid down by the Caen board.

Three videoconference interviews

Over three interviews by videoconference, Bruno Baltazar seduced the president as well as Gérard Prêcheurthe technical director of the club, in charge of the file, while the expected sports director (probably Reda Hammache, formerly of Red Star) should arrive at the beginning of January. On the other hand, the native of Lisbon did not not exchanged with Kylian Mbappéthe majority shareholder of SM Caen.

His ambition, therefore, but also his analysis of the situation and his playing philosophy won the support of weed decision-makers. Without forgetting its perfect command of French.

I learned French at school and high school and studied translation and interpreting at university. I am also married to a French speaker and I was able to use French when I was part of Sabri Lamouchi's staff.

He inquired with Samba and Da Costa

It was also when he officiated with the former midfielder of the France team, at Nottingham Forest, that he managed Brice Samba et Nuno Da Costa, two former Weed Specialists. “I inquired with them, and they told me that Caen was a unique club, with fantastic supporters,” he revealed.

Bruno Baltazar, too, was won over by Stade Malherbe and its infrastructure. “I have never had such an interesting conversation with a president, I am very honored that he trusted me. And this stadium… When we play well, things will move! »

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