Par Aline Chatel
Published on Apr 11, 24 at 6:31 See my news Follow Sport in Caen
Alexis Thomas had not played for three and a half months when he set foot on the floor of the Palais des Sports again, Saturday April 6, 2024, to play two minutes against Tours (81-64). The interior of Caen Basket Calvados has long suffered from plantar aponeuritis with cracking. He ended up seeing the end of the tunnel and, although aware that his playing time risks remaining low in future matches, the Breton aspires to contribute as much as he can to his team’s results.
Alexis, how are you?
Physically, I’m 100%, I’ve come back well from my foot injury. It’s perhaps at the cardio level that we need to get back into the rhythm of training with the guys. That was the only subject. I no longer have any pain in my foot at all. I have no more restraint, I don’t even think about it anymore. I was thinking about it a week ago, but I have had a series of days that are going well. It feels good.
“It’s complicated to live”
The time must have seemed very long…
At first, I only stopped for two weeks. I thought it was good, but it was still very painful. With the staff, we decided to implement a much longer protocol so that the crack heals and I can strengthen all the muscles around it. I discovered that we had lots of muscles in our feet and that we could strengthen them (smile).
What was your state of mind during this period?
It’s hard to see your teammates every day in training. The most complicated thing is during the matches, which we attend without being able to participate. Especially in a very positive dynamic with a series of victories. We have no choice but to be patient, but it’s complicated to live with.
How did your reintegration into the collective go?
The reintegration went well. I practiced a lot when they were away for a week. It’s quite different from training alone or with the group. I adapted quite well. I managed to do a little cardio without putting strain on my foot during my injury, especially with swimming. I kept my chest, I didn’t gain weight. Habits return quite quickly.
You put one foot back on the floor against Tours, even if it was only for two minutes…
It was nice to come in, Pierre (Salzmann, the speaker, editor’s note) warmly announced my return. This is an entry that was a bit anecdotal. My goal is to help the group as much as possible, whether while playing or on a daily basis in training.
It’s better to be there as a player than to be in civilian clothes. The goal is to find meaning in your place in the group and to contribute in your own way. I do everything to make the guys feel comfortable, I bring a little of my experience. In training, I give everything I have to give now that I am 100% physically. There are only two matches left, they are crucial. It’s important to contribute on my own scale.
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“Stay ready and concerned”
In an almost mechanical way, do we feel somewhat on the fringes of the group when we’re not playing?
I don’t feel left out because the group is doing well. But sportingly speaking, beyond the human side, I have things to contribute and it’s a little frustrating not to be able to bring them onto the field. At the same time, we are on a very good dynamic. When you win, it’s the coach who is right. We can only adapt and make sure we contribute in another way, while remaining ready and concerned.
Do you imagine having more playing time in the last two matches or are you resolved to play little?
This will depend on match configurations. If there are players who have mistakes, I know that I could be used. If there is not necessarily a problem of fouls, I feel that I may have to play matches on the side, unfortunately.
Is this season, as a whole, frustrating on a personal level?
I wouldn’t say that. I learned a lot of things from this season, I have to use them for the future. I learned things about myself: how to be patient, how to stay within your playing philosophy but also how to adapt to match what the coach asks. It’s a season full of lessons.
“I still managed to have fun”
Your primary goal was to have fun again. Was this compatible with low playing time?
I still managed to enjoy everyday life with the group and in the essential and important things. I tried to take a step back, not to stop at the competition aspect, the playing time. It can hurt.
Caen plays in Brittany on Friday evening. Will there be people there to see you?
My parents like to act as a surprise, I’m not sure they’ll come (smile). I’m going to see familiar faces in Brittany. I know a few people in Quimper. Playing in Brittany is always a bit special for me.
What will be the keys on a collective level?
We have to rely on our defense. We are at almost 65 points conceded per match in the second phase (67.1 points, editor’s note). This has been the hallmark of our team since the start of the season and even more so since the second phase. It will mainly go through that. Externally, the address factor can sometimes fail us. We’re going to have to find the target if we want to beat them. It’s really a decisive match, anything can happen. The team that is hungrier will win. And we have it!
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2024-04-11 04:31:50
#Caen #Alexis #Thomas #important #contribute #scale
