“I have a special connection with Montpellier”, Geoffrey Dernis coaches Atlas Paillade in the shadow of the Mosson stadium

Geoffrey Dernis n’a pas oublié ses années au stade de la Mosson. Midi Libre – LF

French Champion with MHSC in 2012, the former midfielder has become a coach very close to the Montpellier stadium.

Inside the Stade de la Mosson, Geoffrey Dernis and his teammates from the MHSC version 2011-2012 made the heyday of Montpellier football. Twelve years later, the former midfielder finds himself on the other side of the stands, at the edge of the green rectangle… Like a nice wink of fate, this summer he was appointed coach of Atlas Paillade in Regional 1, which plays at the foot of the Hérault enclosure: “I had to be next to La Mosson, that's just history,” he smiles. It's a nice sign. And if I get good results with the Atlas I can say that this site brings me luck.”

All the more so since the native of Grande-Synthe in the Nord department was not destined to wear this coach's costume after his career which saw him pass through Lille where he was trained, Saint-Etienne or even Brest. “At the end of my playing career in 2015, I came back to the area quite naturally. My daughters are at school in Pérols, I am happy here and I have a special attachment thanks to the title. First I ran a bar for three years then I was a consultant for France Bleu Hérault then Mediapro."

"Not intended to train"

At the end of the brief adventure with the furtive Ligue 1 broadcaster, he answered the call of the president of the Pérols football club to lend a hand: “I first had a managerial role before taking the position of first team coach when I was not at all destined for that. I came across a great group, I really enjoyed teaching them what football had given me. The president and the players wanted me to continue, I passed my Football Coaching Certificate (BEF) in the second year. I got caught up in the game so I would like to get my State Diploma (DES) for coaching at the national level. To do this, I had to coach, at a minimum, a Regional 1 club."

The meeting with Sandrik Biton, former professional referee and coach of Atlas Paillade, was then decisive in his coming to La Paillade. "We saw that we had the same vision of things, explains Dernis (43 years old). I liked the challenge, there is a good group with good players. I'm having a blast."

"The ultimate example is the great Barça"

Within the duo on the bench, Geoffrey Dernis brings his experience of the top level and the best of the coaches he has known: “I like movement, effort… I like my team to play well with the ball. The ultimate example is the great Barça. I was lucky enough to meet coaches who gave me a lot. Halilhodzic at Lille was the strength of work. Claude Puel was the tactics. I had René Girard and his English management with a lot of perspective and freedom. In Saint-Etienne, with Laurent Rousset who was very playful, I had a great time. I use what I have known by incorporating my own ideas."

With the ex-Pailladin at its head, Atlas welcomes FC Vauvert, Sunday (5:30 p.m.) in the championship. In the shadow of the Mosson stadium, Geoffrey Dernis has the ambition to accompany his new team to the top of regional football. And why not win a new trophy for Montpellier football, this time on the other side of the stands.

The bio of Geoffrey Dernis

Born on December 24, 1980 (43 years old) at Grande-Synthe
Players' careers: Lille (1998-2006), Wasquehal (2001-2003), Saint-Etienne (2006-2009), Montpellier (2009-2012), Brest (2012-2014), Larissa (GRE, 2014-2015)
Palmarès : French Division 2 Champion (Lille, 2000), French Champion (Montpellier, 2012)