Yesterday was the pre-match press conference, and here are the key takeaways from Pierre Blois and Rudy Mater:
Pierre Blois:
- Regarding the week of training: "Overall, it went quite well. It's a continuation of last week's work. The group worked rather well, benefiting from an extra day due to the match being rescheduled for today."
- Coaching style: "I was able to implement my ideas, work on the group dynamics both on and off the field, with the added objective of addressing areas for improvement."
- Reflecting on the match against Paris 13 Atletico: "We worked on the mindset, commitment, and values we wanted to apply in this match, and I think the players responded well in that regard."
- The refereeing rule that led to the penalty: "I reviewed the footage and consulted the rules, which I wasn't familiar with, and I think even the referee..." "I didn't know her either, and in the end the referee made the right decision. It will be a lesson for us and also for Sakhalou Niakaté (the player responsible for the foul)."
- Stade Malherbe Caen: "A very good team, with players of a higher level (Ligue 2/Ligue 1), the team that has the most possession in this league, with several possible tactics. They won't be easy to play against, but we know they also have weaknesses."
- The message to the players before this match: "Maintain the mindset and values shown in recent days. I hope this will be a foundation for our work, and for the rest of the season, I also hope the players will do 'more' on the pitch."
- Context of the match (the anniversary of Caen's largest supporters' group, celebrating its 30th anniversary today, with over 400 fans expected to travel): "We will also need our supporters for this match. I..." I'm a local guy, I remember the incredible atmosphere at Stade Nungesser (VAFC's former stadium), and if I have one message to share, it's "come to the stadium, come support your team, we need you, come with your scarves and your red and white jerseys."
- The squad for this afternoon: "Celestin Nyembe is injured (a young player from the B team), otherwise, all the players are available."
Rudy MATER: Press article below.
National: "It's urgent!" Rudy Mater, an absolute icon and outspoken leader, is shaking things up at Valenciennes.
The club's all-time leading capped player (389 matches), Rudy Mater has been assisting Pierre Blois on the bench since Stéphane Moulin's departure. He brings the same ingredients that made him a unique defender: character, pride, and immense love for the club.
His testimonial match in the spring drew 8,000 people to the Stade du Hainaut, more than ten years after his playing career ended. The message he posted on social media after being appointed to lead the team alongside Pierre Blois on February 17th was met with overwhelming approval: several thousand likes and hundreds of glowing comments praising his fighting spirit. In Valenciennes, the difficulties of recent years have only intensified the nostalgia for the lost paradise of the club's glory days in Ligue 1, and seeing Rudy Mater at the forefront is a breath of fresh air for all those who love the club.
"RUDY, THE CHILD WHO BECAME THE LEGEND OF VALENCIENNES"
In the spring, Rudy Mater's testimonial match drew 8,000 people to the Stade du Hainaut. - PHOTO THIERRY TONNEAUX LA VOIX DU NORD
The most capped player in Valenciennes' history (389 matches), with whom he experienced the fantastic rise from the National league to Ligue 1, Mater is a legend, an absolute icon. Proof of this is that even Pierre Blois, 31, whom he is assisting in this interim role, which will enter its second chapter on Saturday against Caen, was moved by the former defender. "It's a real honor to work with him; I wore his jersey in the stands when I was young," he admits.
“We can’t be complacent.”
There they are, side by side on the bench, “for a mission, a war,” which they intend to leave their mark on. Rudy Mater isn’t there by chance: his presence and outspokenness are assets to be used quickly. Shaped at Dutemple, tenacious and generous on the right wing when he was a player, capable of throwing a few punches at halftime with Abdes Ouaddou under the watchful eye of Antoine Kombouaré, he’s also there to tell it like it is.
“It’s urgent. When you’re five points from relegation, you can’t be complacent; you have to get points quickly,” he summarizes. “I’m in fighting mode to pass on the values. We’re in a city of hard workers, and that’s what we’re trying to instill in the kids. We’ll be uncompromising on fighting spirit.” Whether people like it or not. “Because you have to be able to talk things through and put your pride aside if it’s for the good of the team.”
“The ultimate goal is to one day be in charge of the first team.”
The message is decidedly ambitious, and while it’s not a guarantee of results, in the context of the club’s history, it’s still impressive to see Rudy Mater on the bench. He’s currently assisting Pierre Blois, just as he previously assisted Faruk Hadzibegic, but the idea of one day being at the helm of his lifelong club is gradually taking shape. After discovering coaching with the U18s in his hometown of Dutemple, and honing his skills at La Sentinelle, he returned to Valenciennes several years ago and was in charge of the U18s this season. He’ll need to obtain the necessary coaching qualifications, but the path seems clear. “The ultimate goal is to one day be in charge of the first team,” he admits. “Because that adrenaline rush, that little knot in your stomach before matches, that’s what keeps us going.”
Rudy Mater has formed a coaching duo with Pierre Blois on the Valenciennes bench since Stéphane Moulin's departure. - PHOTO SAMI BELLOUMI LA VOIX DU NORD.
While waiting to get there permanently, there’s this interim period to experience, which should further fuel his passion. Day to day, he draws inspiration from those around him: Pierre Blois, of course, but also David Jacqmin, with whom he led the Gambardella Cup team, Simon Raux, the academy director, and Boris Schueller, the U16 coach. There will also be a bit of Daniel Leclercq, Antoine Kombouaré, and Philippe Montanier, who so greatly influenced his path, within him on the sidelines. “I told the players it was an honor to be with them, and I want it to become a source of pride.” Like the pride he always felt while wearing the Valenciennes jersey.
VAFC – Caen, Saturday 3pm at the Stade du Hainaut
