the essential
Injured last April, the one who was not part of the club when it took over is back, signing until the end of the season, at least. He returned to training with the group, with a huge desire to rediscover the pleasure of the game.
The life of a top athlete is fragile. Maxime Mathy knows this more than anyone. Injured in the knee, he had a difficult time. Interview.
What does it feel like to rejoin a club that you had left somewhat by force of circumstances?
It’s cool (smile). I really struggled for seven months. I thank the club for putting the medical staff and the physical trainer to help me return to 100% of my abilities. All we have to do is think about Rugby now.
How do we live through these complicated times?
I felt a little alone. Fortunately I had my close family. I get injured on April 12, I have surgery on the 29th, and I don't even know what I'm doing afterward. No one calls me, I'm lost. In my head I only want to come back. To prove to some people who may have disrespected me a little, that even at 32 years old, I could win this battle against injury. Every morning, when I got up, I had only one goal: to play rugby again. At USM because it's my club, but it could be elsewhere. I have the chance to find the club again, I am very happy. I'm like a schoolboy coming back to class (laughing). The day before the first practice, I was impatient. I don't know when the coaches will make me play again, but I sure have a huge desire.
“He leads by example”
Manager Sébastien Tillous-Borde was happy to accept the return of one of the team's executives in recent seasons: “I am very happy to see him back with us after a long injury. He is someone who brings a lot of rigor, who works a lot, who sets an example; It's always good to have a player like him in your team. We had anticipated his return. He is one of the veterans of the team, he knows the club very well. He experienced good times but also less glorious times. We have a lot of little ailments, so it's always good to have guys who fit into the rotation. And that it's Max, it's even better. »
The.L.
So you're taking it back for ten years?
Ten years is going to be hot (laughing). For now, it's until the end of the season. Let's experience something nice with the group. For the rest we will see later.
Do we have to return to our place now?
As always, there is never anything gained in life. We have seen since the start of the season that the competition is healthy. Those who are not on the sheet leave room for their friends, and come back the following week with more desire. We see that with Seb's management the changes are taking place around the 50th. Matches are won at 23.
A word on this management of Sébastien Tillous-Borde, and the staff?
The dialogue. When I was injured, every week, Séb, Dédé Hough (backs coach), and even Jo (Johan Snyman), who doesn't have much to do with me because he takes care of the forwards, checked in. Me and the injured are alone, but this bond endures. This is very important. Positive management feels good. And it makes you want to come back quickly.
Especially since the competition is tough?
Exactly, and everywhere. Maybe not on the wing because I run slower than before (laughing).
How do you find the group?
Everything has changed. Maybe it was something that needed to be done. We have a very competent new staff. You just have to follow them, continue to work on the details. And when we get down to working on the details, we're on the right path. We had a little alert in Brive. We may have been wrong about certain things, but now we have to focus on the arrival of Soyaux-Angoulême. In the season, there are pivotal matches; this one could be one of those. We are well at the top of the rankings (smile). Let's do everything to stay there as long as possible.
