Didier Digard: “What motivates me? This club!”

Didier Digard spoke this Thursday for the first time this season. From recruitment to his contract extension, the HAC head coach addressed every topic.

It was Didier Digard’s first media appearance of the season. Speaking in the comfortable surroundings of the 11 Club lounge before a gathering of journalists, the Le Havre coach spent more than half an hour discussing every aspect of the team’s return to action.

The first topic? Naturally, the current squad. The only “DD” still in his position at the highest level of French football welcomed the club’s first five signings—particularly because some have previously worn the Sky and Navy colors:

“The difficulty is that we have lost senior players and captains, and they are always difficult to replace. But recruiting players who already know the club”—editor’s note: Timothée Pembélé and Amir Richardson—“means less time is needed for them to settle in.”

The transfer window remains open, with “new arrivals expected in attacking positions.”

The players returning from loan were also discussed, particularly how they will be evaluated. Digard explained: “They are the ones who have the answer. For now, they have made a very consistent start to preseason.”

The coaching staff has also been restructured to guide the group. Everyone knows there is one particular change we all would have preferred not to make, as Didier Digard acknowledged with great restraint. However, the arrivals of Razik Nedder, who will oversee the midfielders, and Portuguese coach Stefano Cunha de Sousa, who will work with the forwards, are warmly welcomed.

Read More | Translated from French