We saw him literally jump into the arms of his deputy Gilles Bourges, at the final whistle in Bourg-en-Bresse on March 28, after the victory of his team (2-1). We saw him enjoy the euphoria at the foot of the Crédit Mutuel stand with his players and supporters on Monday evening, for a few minutes after the victory against Sedan (3-0). Olivier Frapolli is having his best season at Stade Lavallois since his arrival in the summer of 2019.
Not won in advance
Just a year ago, the coach was not really sure of staying with Tango. Laurent Lairy, new president of the club, did not rule out changing technicians at the end of the season, to breathe new life into them. Olivier Frapolli had experienced two seasons marked by the Covid-19 epidemic which had not spared his teams. “We will say that …. I was rather leaving. Of course, I was not in the same state of mind as today, but that means that things can change” he comments.
Despite a very disappointing twelfth place, for Stade Lavallois’ fourth consecutive season in National, the coach and the new president finally chose to continue the adventure together. The end of season maintenance is going well, very well. Olivier Frapolli is perked up, in line with the new presidential wishes. “I don’t feel any different today, but the environment around the club is super positive. We have a really incredible human team. It’s the whole club that has found colors“continues the coach.
Patience is the mother of all virtues
The start of this season has not been easy. Olivier Frapolli has received a lot of criticism from some supporters on social networks. The Mayenne did not win their first four league games. Some wonder if he is the man for the job? If it does not make the season too much? Not enough to disturb the Var technician who knows that his group has completely changed (again) in the offseason. The answer, he gave it on the ground by changing his system of play, to switch to three defenders.
His team is now on the verge of Ligue 2, the supporters cheer him on, but the Provençal remains cautious. “Of course you have to take the present moment as it is. But we have a goal. We have to go to the end and as long as the finish line is not crossed, the coach must be exemplary“. A Southerner who therefore does not ignite and who has two years of contract left at Stade Lavallois.