Arnaud Marius, appointed “interim” sports director at Élan Béarnais, arrives at the club this Monday, January 3. There will be time to cover the work stoppage of Dominique Loueilh, who has held the position for a long time, confirmed last week in 100% Clubs the owner of Élan, Greg Heuss. Before taking office, Arnaud Marius attended the victory of Élan Béarnais (90-95) in Gravelines on December 23. For France Bleu Béarn Bigorre, he took stock of his arrival with the Vert et Blancs.
France Bleu Béarn Bigorre: Arnaud Marius, for the supporters of Élan Béarnais who discover you in this role, what is your experience?
Arnaud Marius : I started in 2012 at BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque, for seven years as general manager and sporting director, then I worked for two NBA franchises, then Poitiers which is evolving in N1 and which has the project to rise in Pro B.
How did the opportunity to join Élan Béarnais come about?
There was a need with Dominique’s decision. I was contacted by the Americans to deal with the emergency, and take the job as quickly as possible, to ensure that the team is in the best conditions. It doesn’t take long to say ” Yes At Élan Béarnais, in barely two hours, because it is a historic club and today engaged in an innovative project that makes you want to know more, and get on the boat. I’m there for six weeks, and I hope that after Greg Heuss and all his team can put in place what they want to do.
For you to be as efficient as possible, as quickly as possible …
I will have to get to know everyone very quickly, it will go through daily work, and above all put myself at the service of this group. Today it works, this victory at Gravelines shows it, it is up to me to try to add my value to it. My experience means that most of the subjects I know them, it’s easier to manage emergencies, because we know that this job is first of all to solve the problems that can happen quickly and from all sides, so that everything goes well, that everyone can perform, and that no grain of sand disturbs the machine already launched.
In the coming weeks you will experience a Clasico, in Limoges …
That’s good, I’m attending my first match at Gravelines, which I know well, and I will have the right to a Clasico, that’s a bonus, that’s for sure!
Do you want to continue beyond, since Dominique Loueilh should then retire?
It’s too premature to talk about it. I am engaged until January 30 and I will be 100% in this period.
Interview in Gravelines by Frédéric Mazéas