“show the real version of this club for the end of the season and not the last three games”

The striker, who replaces Will Still after his hasty departure, takes the reins at the club for the final three games of the season. Facing Brest, Olympique de Marseille and Rennes, the former assistant wants to finish and leave a good impression

He takes over a club in full doubt. Samba Diawara, former assistant to Will Still, whose departure was brought forward on May 2, will be interim coach for the final three matches against Brest, OM and Rennes.

How do you approach this new challenge as interim head coach?

We try to approach it in the simplest way. I am not alone as I am surrounded by all the other members of the staff who stayed behind. Together we will try to support the team as best as possible. Already the day after tomorrow against Brest, and also for the last two games against Olympique de Marseille and Rennes. We have to make sure they are as comfortable as possible and try to be ambitious as well because these are interesting games to play against opponents of a certain quality. The aim is to show the real version of Stade de Reims and not that of the last three games.

How is the mood in the dressing room after this eventful week and Will Still’s departure?

The atmosphere is not the best when there is a change of coach. The players were very close to Will (Still) and Nicolas (Still). I think they are affected, but they have to tell themselves that they have some responsibility for this change. This departure comes because we were not efficient enough, and because we did not get good results. So the atmosphere is not the best, but we are trying to get everyone back together because there are three games left. The season is not over, there are still goals and we must do everything to reach them.

How do the players approach this next trip to Brest, qualified for Europe after an incredible season?

I don’t think they have any fear. Facing an opponent who is the revelation this season will also allow them to measure themselves. They would have liked to be in Brest’s place and the goal is to show that we have nothing to envy that team, even though we know it will be very difficult, it will be a special context, a festive context. But we must not pay attention to all that and try to be as competitive as possible and bring back the best result.

Is there a chance, depending on how the season ends, that you could be promoted to head coach for the next season?

No, I will only be a substitute. And again, I don’t even consider myself a temp. I am the assistant that I was a few weeks ago, except that there is no longer a coach and that with the rest of the staff we have to fulfill this mission. Everyone becomes a small piece of coaching.