USAP - MHR: “The Catalan public is powerful”, Kélian Galletier confides before the derby

Kélian Galletier est troisième ligne à l'Usap depuis l'été dernier. L'INDEPENDANT - MICHEL CLEMENTZ

Usap third row Kélian Galletier (31 years old), trained in Montpellier, looks back on his life in Perpignan before the derby between Usap and MHR this Saturday, March 25 (5 p.m.).

He has never hidden it. Kélian Galletier wanted to leave Montpellier to discover something other than his training club. Last July, the 31-year-old third row (6 caps) joined the Catalan neighbor, Usap, for two seasons. A club with a unique fervor, engaged in a fierce fight for survival. Interview with the man with 176 matches with the MHR (8th most capped player of the Hérault club). 

How do you approach Catalan life ?

I'm adapting well. Already, leaving (Montpellier) was a desire, even if there was apprehension. I was very well received, in a healthy, balanced and experienced group. It made integration easier. They have been moving forward for 6-7 years now with more or less the same staff, guided by Patrice Arlettaz in particular. Whether it's the guys from the club or the foreign players, you feel a real desire to be in this club. And you can also feel it in the way of working, in life.

You left to discover something else. Is this the case ?

Of course. The club is very different, the approach is different. You have advantages and disadvantages. Perpignan remains one of the smallest budgets in the Top 14 (around 20 million euros) so you make do with the means at hand. They work seriously, intelligently. I discover a greater fervour. The Catalan public is powerful. You feel that there is a lot of expectation. They give you back what you give them. I'm happy to discover all this.

Also read: Career end, life turned upside down, sporting ambition… a look back at Galletier's crazy year

Would you say that Perpignan is a city that exudes Usap ?

You feel, indeed, that rugby is very important in Perpignan. Especially on match days. The public is there and they let you know when things are going well or when they are not. At the moment, we are on a good dynamic, we have been playing to sold-out crowds for two or three matches, and you can feel it on the pitch.

Perpignan has this label of a rough team. However, we also feel that they are playing very well this season.

It is not just this year. Last year, when we came with Montpellier, we faced a team that played a lot and well. This match had weighed in my choice, I remember. This desire to play is a strength. At the beginning of the season, we had to find some bearings to play a game of this type. It is a clearly displayed desire, in addition to responding present on the bases, obviously.

When they check a box, I know what to expect

You've already got fourteen match sheets since the start of the season, is that a good sign ?

I'm playing, yes, but I've still had a few mishaps (trigger, hamstring tear). Otherwise, I'm having a blast on the pitch. There were a few matches where I was coming back from injury, where I was lacking in form. Lately, I've been chaining together a bit, I got back into form and managed to transfer it to our last match against Bayonne. Finally, I managed to get a good match out. 

The holidays came at a bad time for you then…

You're laughing, but that's almost it. Especially since we have six matches in three months since we're not in the European Cup. We'll have to manage that well because it's not easy.

Do you continue to follow the MHR results ?

From afar. When you've been immersed in rugby forever, you sometimes do something else on the side. I follow cycling a lot for example (laughs).

Afterwards, I still have friends there and we keep each other up to date. So I see that they are having a different season than last year. I suspect that their trip here was checked because they have no choice if they want to reach the top 6. When they check a box, I know what to expect. It will be very difficult. And they are still the defending champions.

Are you going to speak more for this match, intervene more during the week ?

On the first leg, I had already mentioned it. I know more or less how this team plays, what their strengths and weaknesses are. Their mindset was a big strength last year. I know they are capable of making decisions on matches and performing extremely well. We expect that.

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