The moment was eagerly awaited.
Twenty-five days after the announcement of his positive Covid-19 test, the coach of the XV of France was facing journalists for the first time.
In front, but from afar, in videoconference from Marcoussis.
After announcing the composition of the XV of France which will challenge England on Saturday (5:45 p.m. at Twickenham), the first question has, of course, been about his personal case.
For a first hook.
“A number of us were affected by this virus.
This is an opportunity to thank all the people who sent us messages of support, well intentioned and benevolent.
To also thank the medical staff who accompanied us very well, supported us and allowed us to stay connected, to move forward to prepare for the recovery… ”
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A crass dodge that didn't end the topic.
On the contrary.
The first nine questions are about the bubble.
Each journalist in turn trying to find a front door.
But Fabien Galthié had prepared the sequence well, equipped with a few perfectly mastered elements of language.
It is therefore serenely, without ever getting annoyed, that he played his score.
In short version, here are some excerpts from this dialogue of the deaf.
“
We respected the health protocol as well as possible.
But risk 0 does not exist
”
Fabien Galthie
-Have you made a mistake?
- "As I have already said all my actions all our actions were in total respect with the sanitary protocol."
-Do you think you took any risks?
- "I, and we, respected the health protocol as well as possible."
He protects us very well.
But risk 0 does not exist. ”
-Are you morally marked by this episode?
- “Like millions of French people, I was affected by this virus.
This experience is part of the road we must travel.
In full competition, it allowed me to share a lot, to discuss. "
-Do you have any regrets, are you worried that the dynamic will be broken?
- “The report summarizes and concludes on the origin of this Covid episode.
The infectious diseases told us how it happened.
There is no such thing as risk 0, especially with the way we train. "
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The coach held the shock in the face of the first salvo.
Up
to the second:
-Do you think that this episode damaged your bond with the group?
- “From the start, I kept in touch with almost all the players.
We had daily relationships focusing on the sequel.
We don't have time to procrastinate, we are fully committed to our project. ”
-Do you understand the reviews?
- “The France team is very exposed and very popular.
A recent poll showed the love of the French for our team.
We must assume this popularity, to be in the light.
We therefore understand and hear the criticisms, the positive ones but also the others.
It's part of our mission.
We must accept and hear what is being said, without turning away from our path. ”
-Do you blame yourself for something?
-"Absolutely not.
All my actions were done in accordance with the sanitary protocol.
And still are. "
-Do you consider that you have been exemplary?
“Everything is in the report, validated by the FFR and by the Minister of National Education, Youth and Sports, Jean-Michel Blanquer.
I don't have much to add on this.
Read the report… ”
“
There are almost as many questions about rugby as there are about the Covid.
I hope that we will return to a fairer balance…
”
Raphael Ibanez
This will be the last word on the subject.
Tired of war, Fabien Galthié won the fight.
Journalists move on to a question on team composition.
Always so calm and fearless, the coach continues.
With naturalness.
The storm passed without even leaving a trace.
“Our arrow of time has known, since the beginning of our history, a lot of events.
A Tournament stopped a year ago, a new competition last fall, there was a covid break… We are trying to manage these events as well as possible. "
By his side since the start of the videoconference, the manager of the XV of France, Raphaël Ibanez then took the opportunity to ironize the vain relentlessness of the media.
“There are almost as many questions about rugby as there are about the Covid.
I hope that we will return to a fairer balance, that we will manage to talk more about rugby, the field, what we are passionate about. ”
The press officer announces the end of the broadcast.
Black screen…
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