Fabien Galthié and Raphaël Ibanez have been developing the art of hospitality since taking office at the start of 2020. Not that the coach and manager of Les Bleus have become cordon bleu but they have gotten into the habit of inviting people to Marcoussis to brighten up the weeks of preparation for the XV of France. It can be illustrious guests, who come to share their journey with the players (Jean Dujardin, Guy Savoy, Thomas Coville) or to push the song (Francis Cabrel, Patrick Sébastien).
It can also be representatives of other disciplines, the staff of the Blues and in particular its analysis unit being fond of all-out exchanges to see what is happening elsewhere, to enrich themselves with other experiences. This week, the staff of Arsenal, the current leader of the Premier League, has settled down in Marcoussis for three days.
And even if coach Mikel Arteta finally gave up at the last moment to move, the exchanges were rich between the staffs. That of Arsenal was represented by the assistants of Arteta, the Spaniard Carlos Cuesta and the French Nicolas Jover, specialist in set pieces. It was also a return invitation since part of the staff of the Blues had gone to London a few months ago and he plans to return.
“They criticize us, we criticize them”
“We received them for three days, Arteta was not there because he was in Florida for another subject. We have a partnership with Arsenal, which is first in the Premier League with a five-point lead and a team with an average age of 23. They don’t have the same problems as us at all, but it’s also very interesting to work with them,” Fabien Galthié said at a press conference on Friday.
“They observe us, we observe them, they criticize us, we criticize them in the positive sense of the term. It’s very rewarding in terms of feedback, vision, “added the coach, adding that the staff of the Lorient football club, 5th in Ligue 1, was also present this week. This is part of our mission and the meaning of our action which is to gather, federate, share. That helps too. »
“It’s a great pleasure to work with other sports, our part of the staff also went to Florida for a week to visit (US sports) franchises”, recalled Fabien Galthié.
