Sion coach Tholot dreams big: “If we can get a bonus, why not?”

class=”sc-cffd1e67-0 iQNQmc”>

“Didier Tholot, Didier Tholot!” The Valais fans found their hero on Thursday evening when they celebrated FC Sion’s cup semi-final qualification against YB in the Tourbillon (2:1).

The French coach enjoyed the ovation of a crowd that adores him and recognizes his values ​​of humility and work. The coach told YB before the game that he had a very precise plan in mind. The players adopted this plan and executed it on the field with great success.

In the interview, Tholot talks about Sion’s last cup coup.

Didier Tholot, how do you analyze this success?
Didier Tholot: The analysis is that today we managed to build a team, a group. To say we dominated the game would be an exaggeration. But we did what we wanted to do.

What was your plan?
We had to be very solid because we knew it would be difficult for us if YB scored in the first twenty minutes. We knew we could get into trouble, but also that if we won the ball we would have the chance to move forward very quickly and take some risks. We certainly had success, even in the closing stages, because they had one or two situations where they could equalize. And then the game would have changed…

You’ve done more than just be solid, right?
Yes. We took on the physical challenge, but also the tactical challenge. Defeating the Super League leader is not easy. We knew we would be in danger if we had the ball because when we lost the ball they went forward very, very quickly. We had worked on playing balanced, without ten players at the front or ten at the back. We were hardly provoked into counterattacks. But there was one aspect where we were inferior and that could have turned the game around and that was the height and the long balls. We had a shortage there. But when it comes to playing style, I didn’t think my team was inferior to YB.

Did you immediately notice that your team did well in the match?
Yes, but I didn’t doubt it. We had recovered well and are on a run of five wins in the Challenge League in 2024. This is the sixth win, even against the Super League leaders. Besides the result, I am very satisfied with the attitude of my staff and my players.

What a season you to have …
It’s not over yet! At the end we take stock. We should not rejoice too quickly, but remain calm and efficient and continue working.

What is FC Sion’s recipe for success?
I came up with ideas. And with values. And I believe that this group responded very simply to the ideas and values ​​that I aspire to. I believe that today we are not a collection of individuals, but a team.

How will you manage the two competitions simultaneously? When you see the 14,000 spectators in the stadium tonight, it is hard to believe that the cup final is not a goal …
We don’t play in the European Cup, we don’t play every three days… We are largely able to manage this semi-final in addition to the championship. But it is true that we play against Bellinzona again on Sunday. We will have a nice rest. And when I say I have a group, it’s true. We’ll see how tired some are, but whatever happens, I have no doubt who will be in the team on Sunday.

Is the goal now to win the 14th cup for FC Sion?
The main goal remains unchanged: to play in the Super League next year. But if we can get a bonus, why not? Today we know that we will bring even more joy to the people of Tourbillon with a semi-final on our own field. And it is fantastic to see this stadium with its 14,000 spectators like this. This crowd, this twelfth man, he makes you want to run faster and run longer and longer.

Does your team still surprise you? Not in terms of state of mind, but in the quality of their playing?
The team surprises me because it is constantly becoming more mature. That is important and characteristic of a team that continues to develop.

Source : Blick