“Were you scared at the end of the meeting?
I didn’t have time to be afraid! Of course, the last quarter, when Zaragoza came down to -2, it was a difficult time for us. Especially at the beginning of the fourth. We were able to adapt to their press zone and find very good shots but we missed them. But once again, our defense allowed us to control the end of the game.
How important is this victory for the Dijon club and how can you use this medal to keep growing?
For the club, for the city of Dijon, this third place is really extraordinary. We are not a very big city in Europe, we are not a club with a great European tradition. So it is extraordinary. It’s a collective work, with my staff and the entire club organization. I arrived here six years ago and to be here today is amazing. We must measure the distance traveled. A bronze medal for our second season in BCL, beating Zaragoza today and then a lot of big teams during the season … It’s a lot of work, every day, of investment.
“What I know is that I am very moved”
And I’m really, really happy for my players. And proud. Those from last season, because it’s thanks to them that we’re here. And those of this season which begins. Usually, you get the medals at the end of the season. There, we take one in October and I really hope that this is only the beginning for this season. That’s what I told the guys in the locker room. But you never know what can happen. What I know is that I am very moved. Lots of emotions inside. The result of an investment, of a requirement. It’s the culmination of so much work for me, the staff and my players. Proud for the club and the city. Dijon is placed on the European basketball map. It’s very strong.
Can you tell us about Axel Julien and Alex Chassang’s progress?
They arrived in Dijon without any real status. They have since joined the national team. How did playing the BCL help them in their progress? Today, they are international players. So far, they have played qualifying, but the national team remains the national team. And this change of status has taken them a step further. They have really made progress.
“Axel Julien is one of the very best French players”
I have a special relationship with Axel, a special story. We have known each other for 13 or 14 years now (in Hyères-Toulon then Dijon). What is happening to him is extraordinary. He is someone who works a lot. With each season, he progresses. Now he is in the national team. Today, I find that he is one of the very best French players and one of the best leaders of BCL.
For Alex Chassang, it’s the same. When he arrived in Dijon no one knew him and he really worked hard. Today, whether in the national team or here in the BCL, people recognize his level. I am very proud of him too. They are two very good boys, two fierce competitors. For Dijon, it’s great to have these two players for the future ”
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