The US Béziers coach confides in a few weeks before the end of the season in R3.
What do you remember from your players’ last draw (1-1) against SC Perpignan Nord?
Although I think we deserved to win, it’s a point that could count at the end of the season. We weren’t efficient enough in front of the opposition goal, but we’ll still be happy with this result.
How do you explain the return to form of the last few weeks?
When I took over the team in December, I wanted to stimulate a new positive dynamic. The players know me and respect me, they immediately listened to my speech and my philosophy of play. I very quickly felt them involved and motivated to move forward. They then showed it on the pitch by getting good results.
What do you expect from the end of the season now?
After the defeat (8-2) against Saint-Jean-de-Védas, I told my players that it could happen to any team, even as a professional, and that they had to raise their heads. This is what they did on Saturday against Perpignan.
If we continue on this momentum and with this state of mind, I am convinced that we will be able to grab a lot of points and seek maintenance at the end of the season.
On a more personal note, you went from player to coach in December. How do you experience this new role?
Although I have always been attracted to coaching, I discover new things every day. That’s what I told my group. I will never hesitate to question myself if I have to improve on certain points. And I must admit that for the moment, I take a lot of pleasure.
Maybe at USB we needed someone local, who grew up in the neighborhood, to get the most out of this band. In any case, I will continue to give everything to help the team progress and ensure the maintenance in Regional 3 as soon as possible.
Another effort to maintain
Yet in great difficulty during the first weeks of competition, the USB has completely revived since the beginning of the year. A rise in power which allowed the Biterrois to chain several good results and move away from the dangerous zone.
Seventh in their Regional 3 group, seven lengths from eleventh place occupied by the Audois of OC Sud Minervois, Chafik Benbellal and his men will still have to pick up a few points to definitively ensure their maintenance at the third regional level.