« It's an Academy project that we've had since I arrived with Philippe (Barraud) and Corentin (Bataille). It's a goal I set myself personally and it's true that over the last three seasons we've reached the quarter-finals and two semi-finals, so all we needed was that last step. This year it's been a real success, with a new group and a new staff too. It's fantastic. We're proud to bring a title to the club. It's great to be in charge of the Academy.
The key to success? Sharing experience between players and staff. It's been 17 years since the club last won this award, and it's a credit to the Academy as well as the club (recruitment, professional staff). It was an objective set for the players and staff, just like the Challenge Espoirs. This year, as William said, we deserve it. We've played some very good professional clubs. We've seen a group that's doing well, a staff that's doing well, an academy that's doing well and a club that, thanks to this competition, will have a more positive end to the season and be ready for the next one.
Overall, this victory is well deserved. It's a great experience for the players, to gain maturity and to be able to be more regular in a competition, especially a final.
Emotionally, it was complicated. There was a lot of joy, frustration and disappointment. I spent the match with Elias Legendre Quiñonez because he was 17th. We were shaky, but the boys were strong and they were able to go out and win the game. »
