Interviewed by videoconference
Did you meet Patrice Collazo to take stock of this elimination?
Bernard Lemaitre:
After returning home at 3:30 am, I preferred to leave the manager alone on Sunday. This Monday, we met for a long time three, with Patrice Collazo and Laurent Emmanuelli (
head of the RCT training center
) to analyze the season. We drew the conclusion that we have a team which, in certain difficult circumstances, is not capable of a collective response.
Who is responsible for this lack?
Both the players who make up the leadership and some of their comrades… We must therefore change things in leadership. It cannot be exercised by a man alone. The captain has an influence, but not on the course of the game if the whole team is letting go, which happened in Castres. In the second half, we let go completely. The reaction must be collective, not just that of the captain alone. The problem of the unitary nature of this team therefore arises. It is very insufficient, very different from that of the Castres team, for example, where leadership is provided by the community. This is what Toulon lacks.
"
There are cultural problems between French and foreign players, as well as a problem of seniority, some claiming a certain preeminence over others
"
How do you explain it?
Taken individually, Toulon has a set of relatively high level players. And on the stars side, even if this word strikes me, the club is well served. But if all these individual qualities don't merge into a unity, a collective synergy, the results are negative. There, it is in the collective that it falters. There are certainly cultural problems between French and foreign players. There is also a problem of seniority, some assume a certain preeminence over others. This heterogeneity is detrimental to the whole. Individualities do not merge into the collective which, as a result, is not able to cope with certain circumstances. Which explains why we are able to score 40 points as well as taking 40. It shows that this team lacks collective strength of character.Emphasis will be placed on that. Apparently, everything is fine, everyone gets along well, there is no argument. But it is in adversity that we see if the collective reacts. However, reactions are only individual. And this is the start of the rout, as in an army. It's a big disappointment for Patrice and me ...
To the point of separating yourself from certain players?
Yes, there are some under contract that we are trying to get rid of.
I cannot say more for the moment… Before going on vacation, they will take individual interviews to probe each of them, on the past and the future.
Then there will be a collective interview.
"
Patrice Collazo needs to gain clarity
"
Will Patrice Collazo still be the manager next season?
The answer is yes. It's a disappointment, a cruel disillusion that we haven't achieved our goals this season. But Patrice is not only there to coach the first team, but to lead the whole of the much more global sports project 2019-2024. A project necessarily different from the previous one since I do not have the means to repeat the strategy of my predecessor (
Mourad Boudjellal, Editor's note
). Patrice therefore oversees the sports policy of the club as a whole, from the rugby school to the first team.
Isn't this load too great for one man?
We will try to improve, to complete his staff.
So that he is more efficient and that Patrice can take a little more height compared to the players.
He needs to gain clarity.
Is your confidence in Patrice Collazo unconditional?
When I give my trust, I don't haggle it, I don't limit it in time, I don't threaten it.
Patrice knows the challenge.
He knows why he is at RCT, in his hometown.
I don't need to put a Damocles sword above his head, it's not my way of managing.
Afterwards, I can always be brought to make decisions that do not please.
But not today, not under these conditions.
“
Our project is based on training.
It is not enough to win titles immediately
”
The discontent rises among the supporters of the RCT. What do you say to them?
Their reaction is that of supporters. They are disappointed, but they cannot be more than the president, the manager, the members of the club. I understand them. And they have the right to express themselves, I do not criticize them. In the past, they were totally ignored by the club, now there is communication, exchanges take place every month. Some supporters point out that the RCT has not played in the finals for three years. We can only recognize it, even if, last season, we were 4th before the end of the championship and we had very good hopes to go further. The current season has been marked by everything we know, the club has been particularly touched, but this is no excuse to justify this non-performance.We must learn the lessons and we will do it ... But we are building on the duration and sustainability of the club. We are aiming for a certain level, but we may not reach it right away. Our project is based on training. It is not enough to win titles immediately.
Where is the recruitment for next season?
It is almost complete, with one or two positions.
I think it is good.
We will announce it in 8-10 days.
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