His first assessment, his future, his love of the club, his successor… the confidences of Usam Nîmes captain Julien Rebichon

Julien Rebichon : “Ce groupe a surperformé”. Midi Libre – MiKAEL ANISSET

Usam Nîmes captain Julien Rebichon is at the end of his contract. Still competitive at 35, he doesn't want to hang up. Hesitant a year ago, the club management could offer him a chance to come back.

He is one of the rare Usamists to have participated in all the matches in the first half of the championship. At 35 years old (since October), Julien Rebichon is perhaps not yet finished with his playing career. Questioned last year, he finally returned, the club management making an about-face. According to our information, the captain could once again extend the adventure… and pleasure.

What assessment does the captain of Usam draw from the first part of the season ?

The results are mixed… We got off to a very good start, with two interesting home victories against Chambéry and Dunkirk. Afterwards, the defeat against Aix (31-32) remains in my throat, with unfair refereeing decisions at the end of the game. It broke our dynamic, unlike that just before in Montpellier (23-25). In the end, the points we are missing are those against Ivry and against Cesson. With 20 points, we would be good.

Afterwards, we must not forget that we raised our heads by winning two important matches at Saint-Raphaël and against Toulouse. I am happy with the reaction of this group in complicated times, with an incredible number of injuries. It shows his solidity, which has been cemented over the years spent together. When we see absentees attending video sessions and advising those who are going to play, it’s beautiful.

Today we are talking about the end of the cycle for this group. Do you agree with that ?

(He thinks). The end of the cycle, I don't know, but whatever happens, Usam will turn a big page this summer, yes. Above all, it’s the end of a project, of an identity, with players who are going to leave who have been there for a long time. There are not 50,000 in a club who come from its handball school, like Quentin Dupuy.

What do you expect from 2024 ?

Two things: 1. Let us be more masters and killers at home. The 2022-2023 season, we lost against the top six in the championship at Parnasse. For our loyal audience and for ourselves, we must be uncompromising at home; and 2. For the story of this group, we must end in the best possible way.

Thanks to our group strength and our strength of character, we achieved the objectives and, even, did more than what we had to do. We don't have the top 3 players in each position and, compared to our budget (5.80 million euros, editor's note), we have one of the smallest payrolls in the championship (true : less than Saint-Raphaël or Limoges, for example, source LNH). Being realistic, we outperformed.

"As long as I can play Usam…" Midi Libre – MiKAEL ANISSET

If you are told 74% and 70%, do you know what that corresponds to?

To my shooting success percentage this season, and to my average during my career ?

Absolutely! There were some good defensive performances, too. “Rebiche” seems to have some nice remains…

I'll be honest and tell you what I said during the mid-season meeting with the staff: I'm happy with what I did. I wanted to improve my efficiency, and that’s the case. And I am happy with my collaboration with Guéric (Vincent, 21 years old). We share playing time positively, the competition is very healthy. I think we form a great duo, with great complementarity and great understanding. If it's my successor in the position ? Of course, I think so !

There was talk that your contract would not be extended last year. Did you approach this season like any other ?

No. I live the moments as if it were my last season. When I go to a venue, I say to myself: “Enjoy, because this might be the last time you play there.” I worry less about certain things, I concentrate on the essential things, and it seems that it works for me…

Since 2005, it’s your  19th season at Usam. It would be nice to end your career on a 20th, no ?

I'm waiting for a new meeting in January with the president. As long as I can play handball… or, rather, as long as I can play Usam, I will play it. It depends on the club. If he needs me on terms that satisfy me, I'm ready for a 20th season, yes.

I have a true love for Usam. Everything she has given me is incredible. I experienced some extraordinary things, on and off the field. I'll tell you: every morning, I enjoy going through the offices, greeting the educators, the employees, the volunteers. I created links and exchanged with thousands of people. Whatever happens, I will be proud.

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