Jalibert opens up about his departure from the XV of France

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It was a departure that caused a lot of noise. Matthew Jalibert left the XV of France in the middle of the Autumn Tour a few weeks ago before the Blues' second match against New Zealand. The number ten preferred to return to Bordeaux after a discussion with the coach Fabien Galthié as he confided this Sunday in the columns of Sud Ouest.

Matthieu Jalibert: “There was no confusion”

While he has just extended his contract with theUnion Bordeaux-Bègles until 2028, the flyhalf spoke for the first time about what happened a few weeks ago during the Autumn Tour. “There was no extra-sporting problem, no confusion, nothing like that. It's funny because I expressed my discomfort to Marcoussis and it came back to me. The approach was natural on my part, I did it with great sincerity” says Matthew Jalibert in the South West.

“There were discussions with Fabien, I had things to say to him. I didn't find the right timing to do it. I first confided in the mental preparation unit and Patrick Arlettaz and it came back to him. But I had a long discussion with him, which will remain between us. He told me he didn't feel very well, that I could go home. So I told him I preferred to go back. I needed a break. »

The 26-year-old, who admits he needs to feel confident to perform at his best level, has therefore only played one match with the XV of France during this Autumn Tour. Matthew Jalibert came on half an hour from the end of the first match against Japan and participated in the big victory for the Blues (52-12).

“I shared some things that have been on my mind since the World Cup. And it wasn't a question of being a starter or a substitute. I always respected the coach's choices and I was always involved 100%. During the discussion, Fabien Galthié felt that I needed to cut, as some players did when they were 24^And. All this happens naturally but when it’s me, it’s always excessive” says Matthew Jalibert for South West.

A return with the XV of France for the Six Nations Tournament?

If he was able to observe his teammates in French team in front of his television in Bordeaux, the international with 34 selections does not regret his choice and confirms that he needed it: “We have a cell to talk about our frustrations, our discomfort… It is made for that. What I regret is that it came to Fabien's ears because I wanted to wait until the end of the Tour to talk to him about it. But that's how it is. I left freed. It was by mutual agreement. »

The number ten details certain reasons for his discomfort with the Blues: “Since the World Cup, I had the impression of not having his confidence. At the start of the season, I felt capable of taking on the role, that was not the case. There were also some external problems. I needed to tell him all that, I think he understood it, he saw that I was at the end of my rope. As he did not count on me against the All Blacks and theArgentinehe suggested that I return to Bordeaux. »

However, Matthew Jalibert specifies that he is not putting an end to his international career, quite the contrary: “I remain a player of the XV of France and if Fabien calls me for the Six Nations, I will come back with great pleasure. » Between now and the start of the Tournament and the first match between France and Wales on January 31, the UBB conductor will have the opportunity to shine with his club in Champions Cup starting next week.

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