The three-year contract, from which the Sète coach benefited and which will end at the end of this season, was not renewed by the leaders of Arago. Luc Marquet gives his feelings.
The announcement was made to players this Thursday, January 2. Due to a lack of satisfactory results, Alain Bilicki and his management team decided not to renew the contract between Arago and its coach.
Light sometimes, shadow too often
After two and a half seasons at the head of the team, Luc Marquet is preparing to live his last months on the bench of his favorite club. It must be said that his team hardly helped him during this first part of the season. If, at times, the light entered the Sète ranks (victory in three sets against Poitiers, in five sets in Toulouse after being led 2-0), the inconsistency and the glaring lack of offensive efficiency have too often weighed down the atmosphere.
From the first match, against Tourcoing, the state of mind at the end of the match quickly gave rise to concern. However, Arago then managed to raise the bar to settle into the playoffs. Unfortunately, at the end of November, the questions were turning more and more into certainties. The dry elimination at Saint-Jean-d'Illac (League B), upon entering the Coupe de France, had a considerable impact. And behind, the poor performances continued, sending the Arago back to the dock, ninth and forced to see the playoff train move away.
First disappointed
There is therefore a form of logic in the decision taken by the club. Which is not refuted by Luc Marquet: “I experienced this situation as a player for years, I am experiencing it now as a coach. That's the rule of the game. And, we can turn the question in all directions, even if it has come down to little for the moment, the results do not live up to expectations. When Alain Bilicki asked me what state of mind I was in, I immediately told him of frustration. The team is too much on AC. We work hard during the week, but it doesn't translate on the field. I'm the first to be disappointed with the results, so I understand. »
It now remains to complete this 2024-2025 financial year in the best possible way. By finding, if possible, this consistency which is sorely lacking. “This season, the team can have two faces from one game to the next. Even from one set to another. In Tourcoing, for example, we were ridiculous in the first set (Editor's note: lost 25-9 after being led 7-0, 14-2 then 21-6) before being strangely better afterwards. We can't understand why, these mood swings are inexplicable. »
Players also judged on the result
It's going to be necessary. Because if the Top 4 will remain a sweet dream, a place in the eight at the end of the regular phase is still possible. “That’s the challenge that awaits us, to hold on to this sacred playoff zone”continues Luc Marquet. “It’s hard for me to think that we can’t do it. And then, leaving by reaching the playoffs would be an honorable exit. »
Even if the next meeting, against Montpellier, risks stinging, we should quickly be sure of the reaction of the players on the pitch. “After the match in Tourcoing, the players kicked us out of the locker room and talked. What they said to each other is theirs. Afterwards, will the announcement of my departure cause anything? I don't know. But they too will be judged on the result. There, we put physicality and intensity back into training, we only have one match per week, so we can do it. »
If Luc Marquet believes that there is “no reason for the staff not to continue, and in particular Fred Gibert as director of the training center”he has no plans for him at the moment. “Am I going to stay in Volleyball? Maybe with the announcement I'll have some contacts. But I don't know what tomorrow will bring. A position as an assistant, or abroad, would not bother me because I always prioritize the project and the context. In any case, I harbor no bitterness towards the club and I will remain mobilized until the end. »
The reaction of President Alain Bilicki
A decision had to be made and, accompanied by his director office, Alain Bilicki therefore informed his coach that the adventure would not go any further. “With Luc, we have a very good human relationship, but the results do not follow. Last year, we finished ninth. And this year, it's not better as recruitment is successful. We have leaders, but the mayonnaise does not take hold. »
However, the goal of the playoffs has not been abandoned. “If we had played at Barrou this season, we would perhaps have three or four more points. We are experiencing a truly special season… But I remain optimistic for the playoffs. It will perhaps be a detonator for the group. »
For the Sète president, it is now time to find a successor to Luc Marquet. “Yes, especially since the recruitment period is about to begin. There may be financial difficulties at other clubs and we must not rush. But I think it was the right time. As for the coach, we currently have no contact. But with this announcement, it will be unlocked. We will listen to the agents. But first, we remain focused on building the budget for next season. »
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