Lorenz, what was your first reaction when you entered this new performance centre ?
I've been very pleased and impressed by the work that's been done. Since I arrived in 2015, there had already been the idea of a Piv2. It's great to finally see it. These facilities are worthy of the top 5 in Ligue 1, easily.
What do you like best about the new building?
The weight room, because that's a must when you're a top-level athlete. We go there three or four times a week. It's also used every day to warm up before training sessions, which is important. It's a big place, with all the equipment you need to train well. Nothing has been left to chance, whether it's the weights area, the physiotherapists, the changing room, the spa area... The equipment and the modernity of the premises, it's all there. Everything is well thought out, everything is easier to access, it's great.
Is it a change of world?
When I first joined the pros' training centre a few years ago, I had stars in my eyes. In the end, it was nothing compared to what we have today.
A player who trains well is a player who also does what is necessary before and after training sessions, hence the need for good infrastructure...
Yes, it's a mentality you have to have. It's what we're trained to do, it's our job and our duty. We have to take care of ourselves as much as possible, and that means physiotherapy, balneotherapy, muscle strengthening, diet... To be able to cope with the workload, you have to recover well from your efforts. Players are devoting more and more time to this, so we have to be thorough. There are the demands of the pitch and those of life off it, everything that you don't see, rest, sleep, nutrition, hydration...
« The club has ambitions and it is confirming them with this new Piverdière »
Did you find it easy to settle into your new surroundings?
We're feeling very comfortable, and the atmosphere in the new building is just as family-friendly as ever. Soon the administration and the Academy will also be able to take advantage of the great facilities, which will be very cool. At the ETP, we're not going to complain, we were very close to the stadium, and it was also a privilege to have Roazhon Park next door. But I know that soon the youngsters trained at the club will have exceptional training and schooling conditions, which will enable the Academy to maintain its position at the highest level. The lucky ones (laughs).
Do you think these changes are necessary?
Yes, and I think that Stade Rennais can be proud of what it is doing. The club has ambitions and this new Piverdière confirms that it must aim to be among the top 5 in France in the future.
You also have new lawns. What do you think of the new surfaces?
It changes a lot, especially in terms of the speed of play. It has a positive impact on the quality of training. You prepare better on good pitches. Everything goes faster in the exercises, so you make more progress.
« We're surrounded by trees, which is very pleasant. »
And you're staying at La Piverdière!
I really like it here, we're close to everything, close to Roazhon Park, and we can do our shopping nearby after training if we want. On the Prévalaye estate, you can go cycling and jogging, and it's in a great location. We're surrounded by trees, so it's very pleasant.
What did your colleagues say when you first visited?
We all said it was crazy! Nobody thought less of it. Some of them had been at other clubs before Stade Rennais, and they recognised that we now have one of the best training centres in France.
The old building has now been demolished.
It feels strange, because we were there less than a month ago. We still remember the good times we had there, we remember the old-timers who used to rub shoulders with these walls. We're not forgetting the past, but we're looking ahead!
