Pierric Poupet discusses his assumption of duties, succeeding Italian Gianmarco Pozzecco in January 2024.
“I came here to support a project at the request of T.J. (Parker), and initially, I had no other professional ambitions,” the Norman told the daily newspaper. “I found myself managing a staff and a group of players in the Euroleague, and that was an accelerator for my growth and experience. Every story has an end. I was able to spend five years at ASVEL; there are cycles that are longer or shorter, and in the world of the Euroleague, that’s good. It was perhaps the right time.”
His immediate future?
“Right now, I want and need to take a break. It will depend on opportunities in a market that is currently slow at the European level and quite closed at the French level.”
Asked by the journalist if the possibility of being unemployed could scare him:
“On a family level, it scares everyone. But in this profession, one sometimes needs to regenerate, and it’s not uncommon for coaches to be inactive for a while. The difficulty lies more in finding a family balance.”
ASVEL is set to significantly boost its finances. Question: What are your thoughts on these sums, considering you weren’t being paid a year and a half ago?
“I try not to attach too much importance to it because it can sometimes be difficult on a family level. Again, it’s a matter of cycles. I don’t want to be bitter or envious. If it can allow the club to thrive and grow in the coming years…”
English Translation and Paraphrased Content:
Pierric Poupet (ASVEL): “I Don’t Want to Be Bitter or Envious”
Pierric Poupet shared his thoughts on stepping into the role of ASVEL’s head coach in January 2024, taking over from Gianmarco Pozzecco.
Poupet explained that his initial intention was simply to assist with a project requested by T.J. Parker. He hadn’t anticipated the accelerated growth and experience gained from leading a Euroleague team. He views his tenure at ASVEL, which lasted five years, as a natural cycle within the demanding environment of European basketball, suggesting it might have been an opportune moment for change.
Regarding his immediate career plans:
He expressed a need to rest and indicated that his next steps would depend on available opportunities, noting the current sluggishness of the European coaching market and the limited prospects within France.
When questioned about the potential stress of unemployment:
Poupet acknowledged that while unemployment is a concern for any family, periods of inactivity are common for coaches and often necessary for rejuvenation. He highlighted that the greater challenge is often finding a suitable family equilibrium during these times.
In response to the substantial financial investment planned for ASVEL, a stark contrast to his own unpaid status previously:
Poupet stated his intention to avoid dwelling on such figures to maintain family well-being. He reiterated his perspective on cycles and expressed a desire to remain positive, free from bitterness or envy. He hoped this financial growth would enable the club’s future success and development.
