Jerome Durand: “Truth is for tomorrow!”

One day prior the kick off of the second World Cup of Powerchair Football, the French national team captain was reaching a true serenity this Tuesday. Already there in Japan four years ago, he’s dreaming now to win the cup at home.

Arnaud Daviré: How did the course last week in Bournemouth?
Jérôme Durand: Bourges was our last training camp. It went well. We worked the tactics but also the material. The two oppositions against Limoges have strengthened our confidence.

AD: You seem really confident in your group?
JD: Yes. I think that is formatted to win against everyone. The whole team at the same ambition. The players, staff, and third parties, everyone pushes in the same direction.

AD: You have a great experience, with two Americas’Cup won, and a final played at the first World Cup. What does it bring you and what will you send to your teammates?
JD: I do it makes me feel better, quieter face of pressure. The experience also allows me to anticipate certain situations to be experienced. It also allows me to warn my teammates in certain situations.

AD: What do you remember from the last World Cup in Japan?
JD: It was just magic! Even with our defeat in final. When I realized how was working  the Powerchair Football, I did not expect  one day to play at a World Cup. I thought what we were doing would be used for players who come after. I was fortunate to be selected. The preparation was not so professional. We did not have feedbacks at this time.

AD: And now. How are you approaching this World Cup?
JD: You have to be really humble. We lost the first edition after being favorites. To win will require a big team of France! All the little details will be important. For other fight will be a performance.

AD: There is much talk of the United States, Australia, England, Japan. The opening match against the Belgians, how you apprehend?
JD: The Belgians are in a no pressure mode. We know them as they play in the French League. It is also an advantage for them. Tomorrow will be the longest day of the tournament. We must start, it’s important to validate the work done during the preparation. The truth is for tomorrow!

AD: The fact that Emmanuel Petit is your patron, it gives you something?
JD: It’s a nice snap. He is invested. He is part of the group, even if he can not be present all the time. Manu  is a soccer player like us and we want to lift the Cup at home.