Interview with Maxime D’Ornano (FC Rouen), inspired by Rouen fervor
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Hello Maxim. First of all, we know the historical side of FC Rouen, but personally, what does this club inspire in you?
FC Rouen is a club with a history, 120 years of existence, half of which in professionalism. A club which knew the elite, was champion of France, played in the European Cup. The FCR is part of the heritage of French football. This cannot leave a coach indifferent. FC Rouen is also a great public that many clubs, not only in national 2, envy us. Our Kop is exceptional, the supporters are enormous, sometimes excessive, bringing enormous fervor to each match.
This fervor side played in your signature?
Completely. For example, the year we went up with Saint-Brieuc from N2 to N1, Rouen finished 3rd in our pool. When we played at the Robert Diochon Stadium, there were nearly 3,500 spectators, which gave us the impression of being in a real Cup match. It was amazing.
For you, this experience is a first outside Brittany as a coach. How do you live it?
It’s not new in the sense that as a player, I had experiences at Avranches, at Le Mans and before at Clairefontaine when I was still a child. I consider that I shouldn’t put geographical limits on myself, while having a real attachment to France. I am also and above all lucky to have an exceptional woman who accompanies me from near and far in all these projects. We were thus able to find an organization for the balance of our children. The family is the foundation of my functioning.
“The only objective that was set for me was to prepare well for the next season”
Maxime D’Ornano has great ambitions with FCR 1899
Was there a need to leave Brittany or was it really the good opportunity that came into play?
Football is my profession. Flexibility is essential. It was necessary to seize this opportunity to get my foot back in the stirrup.
When you arrive in December, do you have a specific objective from your leaders?
The only objective that was set for me was to prepare well for the next season. When I signed, we were still far from the first places. The minimum, of course, was to hold on. Above all, the leaders imposed on me to prepare well for the next exercise. I remain in this state of mind.
Today, you have been at the club for a few months. As an actor in this great institution, what words can you use to describe the atmosphere that reigns there?
The expectation is huge, that’s for sure. The club is an institution that must be respected. Now, for a few years now, there has been a second club, namely Quevilly Rouen, with whom we share the same stadium, the same installations, the same premises, and it is not always ideal. We sometimes have the impression of not being totally at home, of living in a shared apartment. I really want to help FC Rouen relive its glory days. His loyal supporters satisfy him.
“I never made a career plan”
Maxime D’Ornano also talks about his personal development, with registration at the BEPF
To talk about your squad, what feeling prevailed when you arrived regarding the players?
It is a workforce with quality, experience also given the average age of 28 years. There are very demanding and receptive players and I like that. I discovered a distributed and competent technical and administrative staff. I also enjoy working on a daily basis with the very well-defined association for the youth teams. It is important to detect and nurture the talents of the region, then when possible to give them a chance with the first team.
We imagine that having found the world of football and coaching, it must have done you the greatest good?
I live my passion with my job so I am destined for the happiest of men. It’s a privilege and I don’t forget to remind myself of it every day. Afterwards, I’m really happy that when we win and suddenly, I would like a little more (laughs).
When you arrived, you signed for a season and a half but do you want to continue beyond that?
Completely. I never set myself a time limit. What I want is to work on a daily basis in a serene and ambitious environment. I am registered with the BEPF. Obtaining this diploma is a step to evaluate with the FCR. I have never made a career plan and I just aspire to be able to coach at the highest level possible. But above all, when I’m in a club and it sticks, then my goal is to grow and succeed with it.
Interview with Maxime D’Ornano, coach of FC Rouen 1899
Maxime D’Ornano recently became the coach of FC Rouen 1899 in National 2. Arrived last December, he assigned himself exclusively to Foot-National during his first months with the Rouen club, but also on the present fervor and his ambitions with his new club, a few months after ending his adventure on the side of Stade Briochin in N1. Maintenance.