Gonzalez to stay on as Biarritz coach
Thu, 26 Aug 2010 19:21
Biarritz President Serge Blanco confirmed on Thursday that Jean-Michel Gonzalez, the man who guided them to the European Cup final in May, would remain at the club as head coach.
Reports in the French media on Tuesday claimed that the former France hooker was about to be sacked, following the club's mixed start to the season which saw them beaten at home by Toulon in Round Two.
However, Blanco called a meeting of the staff and players on Thursday to announce that Gonzalez was staying.
"I was never under the impression that I was going to lose him," said Blanco.
"Gonzalez is the coach of Biarritz this season."
Blanco's intervention ended 48 hours of uncertainty as Gonzalez, who is also the forwards coach, stayed away from training on Tuesday and Wednesday, leaving backs coach Jack Isaac and team manager Laurent Rodriguez to run the sessions.
"I took several days to reflect on a number of issues, some of which have now found some answers," said Gonzalez, who took over as coach from Jacques Delmas in November last year.
"It is a general reorganisation which has been put in place. I didn't agree with certain points so I took two days off to discuss them with Serge Blanco and sort all that out.
"There were no threats about leaving, neither from the club nor from me. Some things were said. But what is said in the dressing room is no concern of anyone else. Everyone has their job and we squared things. To each his own role."
Biarritz opened their season with a 30-22 win over Montpellier, before losing 13-3 at home to Toulon.
They face Agen in round three on Saturday.
AFP
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