Dan Lewis was surely the best choice for Alterna, the energy supplier. Because the technician does not lack it and the spectators who attended the friendly matches were able to realize it. Everyone was able to see this “electric battery”as Cédric Enard affectionately calls him, bustling around in front of his bench, not hesitating at times to go back onto the field to correct, advise and communicate with his protégés. In English, French or “Franglais”. The language doesn’t matter in the end, as long as the message gets through. Like the current with his new group, for his first experience at the head of a professional team.
“Every day you have to try to improve yourself”
At 48, the Oakville, Ontario native felt ready to return to the Old Continent, after spending fifteen years as a player, whether in France (Toulouse, Montpellier, Rennes), Poland or Slovenia. The former libero quickly packed his bag to grab a tablet and embrace a coaching career, following in the footsteps of his mentor Glenn Hoag, assisting him with the Canadian national team or taking charge of the development program for young players in the country with the maple leaf.
“He is passionatedescribed the iconic Canadian coach, during his visit to Vienna, last May, on the occasion of Earvin Ngapeth’s wedding. He has this crazy energy, I don’t know how he does it. And he’s straight in what he does. You’re going to love him.” The people of Poitiers have, in any case, always loved men who came from the other side of the Atlantic, like Gino Brousseau or Paul Duerden, 1999 French champions, to name but two.
Dan Lewis will try to perpetuate this beautiful tradition. With his own identity. That of a coach who is perhaps a novice at this level, but keen on data and tactics. A competitor and perfectionist. “Every day you have to try to improve yourself.he says. This applies to me as well as to the players.”
