It is a real masterstroke.
An unthinkable, improbable idea that has come true.
When the French Volleyball Federation launched its call for applications for the post of coach of its men's team at the beginning of February on social networks, it could not imagine attracting, a few weeks later, the most beautiful prize list in world volleyball.
Bernardo Rocha de Rezende, better known as Bernardinho, will indeed be Laurent Tillie's successor on the bench for the Blues.
The latter, in office for nine years, decided to hand over after the Tokyo Olympics.
The information has been official since Monday April 12.
“I am happy with this announcement, savors Eric Tanguy, president of the French Federation.
It is the result of a long work.
Discussions started a little over a month ago.
It took a long time, but it's normal.
"
Originally, Rezende was not among the candidates for the post of manager.
Retired from the men's team since the Olympic coronation at home in Rio in 2016, he spends his time between his various businesses in Brazil and the women's Flamengo team in Rio, with which he notably won ten Brazilian championship titles.
Does he even know that the French Federation is looking for Tillie's successor?
💣💣💣 Bernardinho at the head of the French team after the Tokyo Olympic Games!
Quite simply the biggest prize list in world coaching 💥
The press release ➡️ https://t.co/KnVwnkMb7B pic.twitter.com/SfwCc6gsxU
- FFvolley (@FFvolley) April 12, 2021
But a character, Michel Genson, will change the course of history.
The 75-year-old former international and trainer, a shadow man and adviser to President Tanguy, will submit Bernardinho's name to FFV leaders and contact him directly.
Nobody thinks the deal is possible.
The Brazilian has a unique record, the most beautiful in the world of volleyball, and has won everything with the Seleção.
Started in the greatest secrecy, the exchanges turned out to be positive.
Very quickly, the Brazilian will be seduced by this mission.
The Federation then encouraged him to officially stand as a candidate.
"A beautiful story to write"
“From the first videoconference meeting, he told me that it would be an honor to coach France, that we have a great team with great potential and that there is a great story to write.
I started to believe it, says Tanguy.
He had to get organized, but we felt he saw himself with the France team.
It's a great challenge for him, but it's not a decision that we take lightly.
He must notably emigrate to France until 2024, it's a real change of life, it deserves reflection.
As a true professional, he wanted to consult the players (
Editor's note: in particular Earvin Ngapeth who is a close friend of his son Bruno
) and explain his project to everyone before committing.
"
Rezende would also have exchanged with Laurent Tillie.
The two coaches appreciate and respect each other.
Another former manager will also play an important role in the arrival of Rezende.
Double Olympic handball champion, Claude Onesta is now the boss of the high level within the National Sports Agency (ANS).
Its goal is for the French teams to perform and win the most medals at the Olympic Games, especially those of 2024.
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French volleyball team: Bernardinho "is the ideal coach to get the gold medal in 2024"
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He is convinced that with the Brazilian, France "is on the right track to get the gold medal," said Tanguy.
“Unlike the other candidates (
Editor's note: the French Stéphane Antiga and Eric Ngapeth in particular
), Bernardinho was the coach of Brazil when the Games were contested in Rio, and he was able to take the team to the gold medal , explains the boss of the FFVB.
It is an additional pressure to play in your country, in front of your audience.
He has this experience and it interests us particularly.
"
A year ago, on January 10, 2020, the Blues inflicted a 3 sets to 0 to the Germans in their room at the Max-Schmeling-Halle in Berlin, synonymous with qualification for the Olympic Games 🔥
To review this match and relive the emotions ➡️ https://t.co/ref7XqWNA3 pic.twitter.com/KdkHZIKiTe
- FFvolley (@FFvolley) January 10, 2021
"Claude Onesta was kept informed of the progress of the discussions and the conditions," indicates a person close to the file.
The ANS supports and participates in the financing of the global project for 2024, the objective of which is to seek the gold medal in Paris.
The cost of the man's coming to the three Olympic finals - one lost as a player in 1984 and two won as a coach in 2004 and 2016 - remains secret, but is no longer an obstacle.
Nothing seems to prevent Rezende from coming.
After having probed his relatives and settled his affairs, the Brazilian gives the green light this weekend.
Its staff is in the process of being set up.
It should arrive in France in July.
It will take up residence near the National Center for Tricolor Volleyball located in Montpellier.
First challenge, Euro 2021
It remains to be seen whether the transplant will take.
Japan coach since 2017, Philippe Blain knows Rezende well, having faced him as a player and coach.
“I was a little surprised that he was a candidate, because he had been out of the men's circuit a bit for two or three years.
After his business card and his ability to lead a men's team speak for him, says the former boss of the Blues.
The hardest part at the Games is to qualify.
So when you have the opportunity and the chance to be able to take a team that has its ticket in your pocket, it is necessarily interesting and exciting.
Especially since the France team is one of the teams capable of playing at the top of the table and winning a gold medal.
"
Beginning of response during the men's European championship, from September 1 to 19.
