Former president of Stade Français but also friend of Fabien Galthié, the coach of the XV of France, Max Guazzini gave an interview to the JDD during which he discusses the elimination of the Blues in the quarter-finals of the World Cup against the 'South Africa.
An unfair setback, according to him, due to flagrant refereeing errors.
“For four years, we prepared to be world champions. And then, what happened in the quarter-finals against South Africa? An arbitration failure! There were four fouls against France which were not called. I'm not saying we had the performance of our lives but I think like many people that the World Cup was stolen from us. I spent the next day with the players and frankly, it was a very special atmosphere. In the evening, I had dinner with Fabien and other people from the staff. It was still a terrible disappointment.”
Galthié, a great professional who has empathy
The former lawyer and director of NRJ radio also talks about his friendship with the coach, of whom he paints a flattering portrait:
“He is a great professional, who has a lot of empathy.
People don't know, he calls the players' families if there are any concerns.
He is very human but doesn't show it.
And he is someone who lives intensely what he does.”