How do you feel about the winter transfer window?
I’m very satisfied, I would go as far as to say fulfilled. I had asked for several players. We had to fix certain things. When I accepted to take charge of the team as coach at the end of December, I had certain conditions. By using my network, I was able to get players to sign with the team who were lacking game time with their former clubs, but who will help us now as we near the end of the championship. Right now we have to thank the shareholders, Bernard Caïazzo and Roland Romeyer, as well as Dominique Rocheteau and David Wantier who worked to help me strengthen the team.

What qualities does Mathieu Debuchy, your fourth and last recruit, have to strengthen the team?
He’s an experienced player who will bring serenity and his technical qualities to ASSE. Like the other players that arrived this winter, we have to help him get back to his peak level of physical performance. He played Cup matches in October and November but hasn’t played since the beginning of January. Even if he trained everyday with Arsenal, there’s nothing like competition.
 
What are you expecting from this second half of the season?
I hope that the experience and the high technical skills of our experienced players will make a difference. We have to work a lot now, discuss much and I have to explain to everyone what I expect. I felt that during the last few matches the public was with us. It’s important, because as I’ve already said, our recovery will take place by winning matches at the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium. Unfortunately we’ll only play once on our home turf in February. We have to get back on our feet as quickly as possible, which will happen by winning matches playing as an away team. Already since Saturday, we knew this would be a difficult match. I think Amiens performed very well on their home turf against Guingamp. This team has assets and delivers great performances, above all in front of their fans.