“The timing of the announcement of David Gautier’s departure at the end of the financial year may be surprising. What are the criteria that pushed you to announce this change of staff next season?
We had considered two dates to discuss his future with David after a good first season: in November, and mid-season. So as not to be uncomfortable, and above all not to leave him uncertain about our choice. We wanted to take care of him before taking other steps with the players, the staff or others. We wanted to see how things could go in year 2 because we know that in the first year, there is a freshness effect. We wanted to evaluate David on his management of two major competitions with the Euroleague. After the start to the season that he suffered, the absences, the players arriving late, it was not at all a good time in November. Then, with a collective to create, it wasn’t easy. We experienced very highs with Fenerbahçe, Valence, and very lows with Charnay and Landerneau. David remains a young coach, despite his track record. He comes out of there with more maturity, more feats of arms.
So your European background played a role in your decision?
The results didn’t count, we didn’t want to judge him on that. He learned a lot, he grew. We greatly appreciate his work, his commitment, the way in which he managed complicated situations under the spotlight with greater pressure than in clubs which have the privilege of long-term service. He doesn’t have much Euroleague experience. We, the leaders, want to give ourselves a chance to have an experience with a more experienced coach at this level. Who through his experience will allow the club to grow. When we see the clubs which are institutions in the Euroleague, they have the players, but also the structure. This is what we want to aim for. Quite frankly, this decision was not easy to make at all because when we analyze it, we don’t blame David for anything!
“This is also why we are announcing this choice now, because the women’s basketball market will be played out in the coming weeks and months”
From the start of the season, there was the rumor of the arrival of Miguel Mendez (Spain coach), now the name of Marina Maljkovic also appears…
In these profiles, there are many with whom we had been in contact when it was necessary to replace Pierre Vincent in the summer of 2022. The world of basketball constantly talks to each other. We wanted to do things in order with Tony: speak with David, tell him our decision, then consider the options and reactivate our contacts. We don’t want to skip steps. This is also why we are announcing this choice now, because the women’s basketball market will be played out in the coming weeks and months. The names you mention are relevant. There are others. We will also be asked. Beyond the experience sought, you will need an affinity.
The departure of Pierre Vincent took place in a context of tensions with the players. This is not the case regarding David Gautier?
The players have nothing to do with it. This is the principle of life of groups, there are ups and downs. Not a subject, David and a good person, great to have in your club. We made our decision as leaders, choosing a direction. Of course we talk to everyone. David was great, he allowed the girls to express themselves. With the resources given by Tony, Nicolas Batum, our sponsors, we must grow quickly, faster, very quickly. You need this link with people who have experience at a very high level. Furthermore, we cannot exclude the possibility that our paths will cross again with David. He has things to point out. We want him to bounce back.
Don’t you regret this start to the season made very complicated by the numerous absences that were never really compensated?
We fought to recruit. But the WNBA finished very late, some 5-on-5 players were taken for 3-on-3, some WNBA players, due to the fact that we are in a pre-Olympic season, did not want to accumulate too much and rest. We tried, without success. We can always do better. This is why it would have been indecent to take stock in November. It wouldn’t have made any sense. And that’s also why we didn’t just watch the matches played after the break.
“I have every confidence in him and his staff to finish the season well and achieve the objectives”
How can we now manage the second half of the season and maintain the motivation necessary to perform?
We see this kind of timing every year in women’s basketball. We are at a time when contracts are negotiated, players even face clubs for which they have signed for the following season. By making our decision public, it prevents things from happening underground. This may take a while, but everything is clear. It was never mentioned that David would leave in January. If we had not been satisfied with his work, we probably would have made another decision. I have every confidence in him and his staff to finish the season well and achieve the objectives.
Which are ?
Defend our title of champion of France, win the Coupe de France and manage to qualify for the Euroleague given that we will have little chance of finishing at the top of the regular season. The players also have high goals, some have the Games in their sights. When we announced our decision to the group (Thursday), one of them, experienced, used a word that I use here and which testifies to what we want to achieve: maturity. This is what the club needs to grow, a little faster.
How soon do you think you will be able to announce the name of your future coach?
Impossible to say. We’re going to get started now. We have received requests to which we have not responded, we will be able to start talking. Beyond the prize list, we must exchange, compare our visions and our inspirations. We are not immune to a crush and in two weeks it will be over. We’re not going to hang around too much either, we have players who are also reaching the end of their contracts and who we’re going to have to take care of, it’s just as important. »
