“
This is Paris!
“During the great years of the Stade Français, Max Guazzini had made it the mantra of his team.
Capable of anything.
The best and the worst.
Above all, the improbable.
On Saturday, the irrational made a comeback.
The decor was dark.
Three large defeats in as many days, maximum pressure at the time of receiving the Castres Olympique for a false step prohibited at home.
And, as if that were not enough, a red card (logical) from the 3rd minute inflicted on the pillar Paul Alo-Emile for 77 minutes to play at 14. Honestly, at this precise moment, not many people would have bet on a victory as clear, 34 to 10.
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Ranking Top 14
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Read alsoTop 14: in video, the revolt of the Stade Français, winner at 14 from Castres
We have to believe that Paris will always be Paris and that adversity remains the best spur of its temperamental Pink Soldiers. “
At 14, we had no other choice but to tighten up
, explains the Parisian center Alex Arrate.
Sometimes, when you take a red card, it comes together. That's what happened. We said to ourselves that we had no right to lose this match. We tried even harder to help her boyfriend. We showed another image of our team.
The Parisians were not content to defend fiercely. They also exploited every opportunity, rushing into every space, never to suffer. Also taking advantage of the awakening of Joris Segonds, half-hearted since the start of the season and finally found.
“
Those who had doubts about their state of mind got the answer on the ground
.
"
Thomas Lombard, CEO of Stade Français Paris
The opening half managed a clear round against the pole vaults (5/5), making every opportunity a reality. He also relentlessly reversed the pressure, pushing the Castres back into their camp with his still impressive boot. “
'' Jojo '' gave us air and points. When he's confident, it's all good for the team,
”confirms Arrate. “
Joris has been irregular in recent weeks. But it is one of our weapons. There, you had to be realistic, it was super important. At each highlight, we scored points. If our efforts had not been rewarded by Joris' footing, we would certainly have had more doubts
”,analysis Gonzalo Quesada who specifies that his opener remained on the ground despite "
having felt a contracture in the ischio
".
But a Joris Segonds on an excellent day is not enough to explain the performance of the Parisians, found in defense after having conceded 111 points during the first three days and effective in attack.
For this, we can first underline a determination, finally a cohesion at the rendezvous.
"
It was about time
," squeaked the boss of the SFP, Thomas Lombard, at the microphone of Canal +.
During the week, I spoke to them, I told them we had to have a little self-esteem… They were next door, they put the counters back on time.
Those who had doubts about their state of mind got the answer on the ground.
They finally played at their level…
”
“
Against Castres, our mindset might have been a little different, but we haven't changed much in our system.
"
Alex Arrate, center of the Stade Français
This is the second point that explains this jump. “
We said we had to go back to simple things and we managed to do it
, decrypts Alex Arrate.
We had been criticized a lot after our first three matches. We understood this because our performances were disappointing. But behind, when we analyzed our performance, we saw that we were able to create opportunities. So we thought that by having a little more confidence in our system, we could do things. Against Castres, our state of mind may have been a little different, but we haven't changed much in our system…
”
An analysis shared by the Parisian manager, Gonzalo Quesada. “
We didn't have too many doubts. There were more outside than inside the group. There was a gap with what we read about us. Of course, we were aware that our performances were very average. We did not master our matches well and it was not satisfactory. But there were also good things. So I wasn't that worried. When there is a good background, there is a reaction. This time, it looks a lot more like the team we are, what we are working on.
“The Argentinian technician considers however that this red card was bad for good. "
Strangely enough, he took some of the pressure off us.
Afterwards, it is in defense that we measure the state of mind of a team.
So I can only savor.
All the players have increased the level of engagement.
"
“
I value this victory a lot.
It allows you to enter a cycle of trust.
"
Gonzalo Quesada, Stade Français manager
What to hope for better days, the starting point for a spectacular recovery? “
I think so
, Quesada dares.
In the locker room, the players were very happy and very proud. This victory allows us to enter a cycle of confidence. With great humility, we will be able to work with more serenity, to continue to move forward. I value this victory a lot. There is still a lot of work, we have to make progress on a lot of points, but we are not hiding.
The same hope with Thomas Lombard. “
We are a team that walks with confidence. I hope this match will be foundational, that it launches our season.
"
Alex Arrate wants to be more careful.
“
It was a great test of character to straighten the bar.
We put on a completely different face.
Now, we are not going to get carried away either
, ”warns the center of a Stade Français still dead last in the class with only one success in four days.
And, on the program, a perilous trip to Brive next weekend.
