It is a Ruthenian coach more than satisfied by the result but also by the service provided by his team, which was found just after this derby against Albi. Sebastien Joseph gives us the details of this third success in one season for Rodez, with an 8th place recovered.


The summary of the match => D1 (Albi / Rodez (1-3): Rodez grabbed his hold in the derby


Hearts of Foot - Coach, the hot reaction of this meeting?
Sebastien Joseph - A win that is good, which allows us to win a place in the ranking, which ensures our permanent retention in D1. It was the most important today. And then here is a derby is always important to win, it was important to the girls, staff, leaders. It was important to us. It's a little more representative of the work this season provides.

We had a good second half, solid, we struggled first to take out the ball. We had a midfielder line that was playing a little low, at our line of defense that allowed us not to clean out the ball properly. And it was in the second half that we managed to make up the line midfield, hold the ball a little higher, be effective in both areas and especially not take goals in the second half, it was important because we had a lot of goals conceded in the second half [in the RAF stats]. We were at 74% conceded goals in the second half, so here we really had to try to evolve these stats and be solid defensively.

Hearts of Football - What had to be corrected on the side of Rodez, after being held in check by Albi in the first half?
S.J. - On the first half, I have the feeling that we were a little more physically challenged. After technically, we have very good players and we knew we could do much better, in terms of technical control of the ball, in our way of exploiting our offensive game. On the other hand, we had to be a block that goes a little further, because there was too much distance, once we launched the game in front, there was too much space created at our level. lines and we had to rectify that. With the heat also it was important that it was important to hold the ball, run the opponent, so we put foot on it, have this technical mastery in all areas of the game.

Soccer Hearts - We know you're leaving at the end of this season, as you've announced. How does the club get ready without you?
S.J. - The club prepares next season, the Rodez club prepares it as best as possible. Me on my side I prepare it in my future club too. It is important to leave a business card that is clear and work well done. We did not let go until the end. We do not stand by the results of the other [clubs], we keep up with our work. It seemed important to me in terms of ethics, to show the work done to the end. I like when the work is done well.

Football Hearts - So we also feel that your team is more experienced, with a trio of experience led by Cugat, Barbance and Lemaître in contrast to Albi who does not have this real strength. For me they were more technical (especially in the second half) for can be a little better manage their match, while your team is much more physical, who plays on the short game. Did you feel that too on your side?
S.J. - Technically I do not know (balance shoulders) I think we played with a lot of accuracy, so when they came back in a long balloon appearance, they tried to play on it. We think we had not panicked, we had kept a few good game phases, yes to a touch of the ball to create an imbalance, it was interesting.
After yes, it's obvious that having players with D1 experience is priceless, and indeed all the players you mentioned are part of these quality players, experienced, who bring a lot to the team. And it's also nice to see young players, like Daniel, Couturier, Noiran, Bonnet ...

Hearts of Soccer - I could also say Laurie Cance, who was great I find in this match there? It brings a lot of dynamism to the offensive game.
S.J. - Laurie Cance, yes yes for sure, a lot of courage because in the end it was physically hard, it was hard for her.
But no it's good, we combine both this youth and this experience so that the youngest are the most experienced of tomorrow.

Soccer Hearts - Because it's your third hit against Albi?
S.J. - This season yes, but good (nods and smiles) never two without three.


Photo: Mica GB M PhootoRafettes