Basketball (Betclic Elite) – Maxime Pacquaut: “Never since the year of the title we had known such an atmosphere … Elan Chalon plays as in a dream”

Elan Chalon’s deputy coach, in a long interview, confides in the results of the moment. He also talks about the prospect of finding the European Cup. He dreams of it.

Since the year of the title, have you remembered such euphoria, such an atmosphere and such a beautiful series of Elan Chalon?

Maxime Pacquaut: “I joined the Elan Chalon staff for the 2016-2017 season. And it is true that since the year of the title we have not seen that. The year of the pro final was riding a diet. And on the side of the team and the supporters’ side. But there, I have the feeling that we are in another dimension … “

How do you explain it?

“In Chalon sur Saône, we have an audience who is a connoisseur and who likes beautiful basketball. Here we feel happy, enthusiastic people. Besides, I did not remember that we have done so many matches closed the year of the title. We had a lot last season and there we are in the same vein. It’s full every time. It will be full against Strasbourg and against Monaco too. It is true that our beautiful series of matches and victories makes you want ”.

4 victories at more than 100 points, does that count too?

“It is true that it does for many in what is happening around this team. So beautiful victories, it transcends. We see that the public, the supporters grow and the players make them well. ”

What do you attribute it to?

“First there is the style that was set up by Elric, the coach, with great pleasure for the players. And then there is the calendar. The planets have aligned themselves well. Let us not forget our very very difficult start to the season, with seven trips in nine games. And the receptions of Paris and ASVEL, with a very good victory against the latter ”.

At the end of the season, would you say that Elan Chalon is at Zenith?

“I think our team has been demonstrating it at home for several weeks. We can actually say that she is at the zenith. But we remain lucid. You have to keep your head cold and won also wins, a great victory against Strasbourg. Our goal is to try to get 7th place. This involves a success against Strasbourg and also through a result in Gravelines where we know that it will be complicated. Gravelines remains on four victories ”.

And 6th place? Do you think it is possible?

“If Le Mans had lost against Bourg in Bresse, it could, why not, be possible. But now it seems very very complicated. But let’s focus on our matches. Finish seven or eight, if we had been told, we would have signed right away. ”

The Nanterre coach said that currently winning the Colosseum is impossible …

“It is true that for a few matches, Elan Chalon has played as in a dream. Even when it is difficult we do not disuncate ourselves and we manage to leave before and to enchant the world, which explains these incredible atmospheres ”.

What similarities with the year of the title year?

“The year of the title I do not remember that it was so strong before the play-off. We were with a real team. This season is that too. Everyone shoots the same direction. There are fewer frustrations, as we have known at certain times ”.

What are the main qualities of coach Elric Delord in your eyes?

“He is very sensitive to the well-being of players. He is in positivity. For him, nothing is serious. He considers that we must accept to make mistakes. The players feel loved … “

… It is true that we do not see him sting anger …

“Yes, because the overall environment is not frozen on a player. This generates the confidence that the players give off. This is undoubtedly why we are the best team with a three -point percentage. ”

How many videos of the Strasbourg GIS have you watched?

“Five. They changed their coach, so we try to see how they evolve, how they win. Emmanuel also looks at a lot ”.

In this month of May starts, what is your dream?

“Access the play-offs because being in the eight would be synonymous with the European Cup next season. Since the time we have been waiting for it! This would allow us to the public and even more to our supporters what they have given us. ”