'He made incredible comments, humiliating players' - Stade coach crosses the line

Stade Français coach Karim Ghezal is reportedly facing internal challenges following an epic post-match spray given to his players back in November.

Historically one of France’s most storied clubs, Stade is currently navigating through a turbulent phase marked by on-field setbacks. The Parisians shipped a heavy loss to Pau back last year and more recently suffered successive Champions Cup losses to Leinster and Stormers.

However, it’s the apparent way in which Ghezal has spoken to players this season that has ruffled feathers. According to reports in the French media this week, a meeting was held in which Ghezal’s behaviour has been addressed by players who have had enough in the face of his heavy-duty reprimands.

One player, who preferred to remained anonymous, told Midi Olympqiue that Ghezal subjected the team to a vehement tirade post the Pau loss, claiming “He made incredible comments, humiliating players.”

In the changing room aftermath, Ghezal is said to have singled out second-row Baptiste Pesenti, questioning his defensive efforts with a rhetorical “Who are you scaring, Baptiste Pesenti? Who does Baptiste Pesenti scare? In my entire career, I have never taken a maul like that. What are you making me out to be? I’m ashamed. Even at 42, I would have defended better than you.”

These comments have stirred unease among the squad with suggestions that the coach’s approach may have overstepped the mark.

Ghezal spoke to French sports daily L’Equipe this week where he defended his passionate approach: “In Pau, I admit that I got a little angry. But I wasn’t after men, but after rugby players.” He highlighted the contrast in his reactions, emphasizing that his commendations following a victory over Toulouse went largely unreported, “Conversely, after the victory against Toulouse, I congratulated the guys. I said I was proud. But no one talks about that.”

The coach maintained that his harsh words were not personal attacks but professional criticisms aimed at spurring improvement: “I’m not speaking badly to the man, but to the player.

“If guys are affected because we’ve never spoken to them like that here, I can understand. But I have to move the lines. Yes, I screamed. Yes, I took a risk of shaking up the squad, of putting myself in danger. But I knew what I was doing.”