Christophe Urios oust, Yannick Bru pick, Damian Penaud signing: Laurent Marti turns himself in
Laurent Marti, president of the Bordeaux-Bègles Union, spoke with our colleagues from L’Equipe on Tuesday about several topics related to his club. First, the manager resurrected Christophe Urios’ sacking, which occurred in mid-November, and why. The consequence was, with the promotion of Frédéric Charrier and Julien Laïrle until the end of the season, then the appointment of Yannick Bru starting next season. Not to mention the high-profile signing Damian Penaud and the uncertain future of Matthieu Jalibert…
- Expulsion of Christophe Urios
This is one of the main topics of discussion. It has to be said that Laurent Marti has not spoken out after his manager Christophe Urios’ sacking in mid-November. The President of the Bordeaux-Bègles Union confirmed the athlete’s decision above all: “First of all I will say that some things will remain between Christophe and I. I will talk about what everyone saw. Since January 2022, there has been a dip in results. Of course, we played in the semi-finals last year (19 – 10 defeats against Montpellier). But that was completely missed. It followed a play-off match where the players rebelled (36-16 win against Racing after a 22-15 defeat at Perpignan) and we were able to compete thanks to a good first part of the season. success.”
Laurent Marti emphasized the long-term nature of this decision. These are not only the facts of the disappointing start to the 2022-2023 season, but also the consequences of the inadequate ending of the 2021-2022 season: “In the return phase last year, we were 11th and when Christophe was knocked out this season, we are still 11th. During the 2022 calendar year, we lost almost 60%! Which also led to a decline in overall relationship. So I made the decision to separate from Christophe. Not alone, but I will keep the identities of the people I consult a secret.”
Top 14 – Christophe Urios remains Bordeaux’s chief sportsman until mid-November.
This choice comes less than a year after the extension of Christophe Urios (signed in December 2021, on a contract until June 2025). On this, the leader has no answer: “That’s what I can’t explain to myself. The slump came shortly after the extension. We explained things to ourselves with Christophe but despite everything I still wonder. How did we get here? I may not will ever have the answer. four year cycle.”
Regarding the cost of the evictions, no figures were provided: “It’s a huge amount, but I’m here to ensure the good financial health of the club. It always will be.”
- Player and staff adaptation
Very quickly, assistants Frédéric Charrier and Julien Laïrle moved upscale: “Fred (Charrier) and Julien (Laïrle) are doing a great job and even if they are very close to Christophe, I shouldn’t mix things up and give them the possibility to continue working for the club. Between Christophe and me, they have chosen. I’m not worried they are in solidarity with Christophe. What matters to me is whether they feel able to finish the year. They said yes! […] Naturally the division of roles is made. Julien Laïrle has taken on the role of manager, although in their minds they want to be on equal footing and they share the decision.
Top 14 – Julien Laïrle and Frédéric Charrier, assistants who headed the Bordeaux-Bègles staff during the season.
The players were also cited by the Girondin president. Asked about their involvement in firing their manager, he replied: “It bothers me. It doesn’t make sense. It can come from the players, but this decision was made based on many elements.”
Additionally, he welcomes their reactions after this change: “There is no doubt a psychological trigger. After Christophe Urios was eliminated, the players took their responsibilities.”
- Signing of Yannick Bru and Thibault Giroud
While UBB made official this Tuesday the arrivals of Yannick Bru and Thibault Giroud on staff from next season and until 2027, Laurent Marti spoke about these options: “I liked his journey as a player, coach, manager. I got good feedback. I met him, it went well. I decided to sign him. Yannick is my number 1 choice. For Thibault Giroud, this is an opportunity. He should be in Racing. He is one of the best in his field. His results in the French team prove it. He has the respect and confidence of the players.”
- Recruitment of Damian Penaud
It was a big hit from the transfer window. Bordeaux-Bègles noted signing of midfielder/winger Clermont and French team Damian Penaud (26 years, 37 caps). The gist of this file, the manager reveals behind the scenes of this capital transfer: “We are not favourites (he smiles). The exchange dragged on a bit. We tried our luck. We’ve worked hard to fill all the boxes. And finally we won the decision. Damian’s signing is just a logical continuation of our 15 year ambition.”
- The future of Matthieu Jalibert
Now that the manager’s case has been resolved, one of the big questions is Matthieu Jalibert’s future. The magic opener is under contract with UBB until 2025. But its future is not so certain. Indeed, his name was linked with leaving at the end of the season. “Matthieu never came to my office to tell me he wanted to leave, contrary to everything I’ve read. So he never came to tell me he was staying, always the opposite of what I’ve been reading lately. .. So I never wondered whether he would be there or not. It was clear.”
Top 14 – Matthieu Jalibert (Bordeaux-Bègles), will face Montpellier at the Chaban-Delmas stadium
Even if there was a large sum similar to that received for Cameron Woki’s departure? “I will refuse!responsibility of interested parties. Matthieu is a great player and a great competitor. He is ambitious, and so are we. The only commitment I made with him was to do everything so that UBB can play at the top of the table. That’s what I did, especially with the signing of Damian Penaud!”
