Laurent Batlles made his debut as new coach of Clermont Foot, against Lorient (2-1). We were able to observe the behavior of the Clermont coach during the meeting.
A warm welcome
When the composition of the teams was announced, the new Clermont coach was applauded by the public at the Montpied stadium. He also found Olivier Pantaloni during a long hug, during the protocol.
Laurent Batlles, who did only one training session with his new group, chose to renew the same eleven which won in Laval on Tuesday evening (2-1), with one exception. Bassouamina replaced Diop in attack. He also kept Johan Gastien as captain. The Clermontois played in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Henri Saivet in the No. 10 position.
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Very close to his players during the meeting
During the match, we could see the new Clermontois coach very diligent and very calm. He spent the majority of the match standing, as close as possible to his players. He did certain times sitting on his sidelines to be able to speak with his assistants.
In the first half, Laurent Batlles exchanged a lot with Henri Saivet. He constantly sought to reposition his midfield. He also spoke a lot with Johan Gastien.
On Damien Da Silva's goal (45th), the Clermont coach congratulated his players as well as his staff. We felt relieved, but he quickly got back into his bubble. He immediately asked his players to stay focused on the match.
The Clermontois coach let his joy explode on the second goal of CF63 de Douane (76th). He jumped into the arms of his staff, but just like the first goal, he quickly got back into his game.
During the last ten minutes of the match, Laurent Batlles was tense in his technical zone, arms crossed, after Lorient's score was reduced on a penalty (81st). He also remained seated during the penalty.
At the final whistle, the Clermont coach celebrated his joy in a contained manner, relieved after a tense last 10 minutes. He congratulated his players and all his staff as well as the Montpied public.
Ligue 2: successful debut for Laurent Batlles with Clermont Foot against Lorient (reread our live stream)
His analysis
After the match, Laurent Batlles said he was very satisfied with his first match with Clermont. “We had a good mastery of the game and the tactical aspect. Everyone respected the game plan despite the only training we were able to do,” rejoiced the Clermont coach. He also stressed the importance of starting with a victory. Laurent Batlles praised his squad:
“We feel the players are concerned and receptive. It's an ideal first this evening, in addition to facing this Lorient team, which is a steamroller. We are very happy this evening. We will try to have a series of victories. The championship is very even. Everyone can beat everyone.”
Thomas Giraud
