Le Havre manager Didier Digard: "My style is offensive; it reflects my personality."
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After a recent friendly match against Clermont (1-1) Le Havre supporters warmly cheered their new head coach, Didier Digard. As he smiled for selfies and signed autographs, the 38-year-old reflected on his journey back to the club that shaped his formative years in an interview with L'´Équipe.
On July 1st, 2024, Digard returned to Le Havre with a clear objective: maintain their league status. His path as a coach, driven by his deep appreciation for human connections, sets him apart in a sport often dominated by criticism and competition.
Returning to Le Havre
Upon being offered the position, Digard expressed surprise. "With Mathieu [Bodmer], we always talked about football, but we never discussed working together," Digard admitted, referring to Le Havre’s sporting director. "I never really considered it, even though I know him well and share similar footballing ideas." He didn't hesitate for long, however, accepting the role almost instantly. "Thanks to Mathieu, I knew everything that was being set up here. It's a luxury to have a friend involved."
Human values
Digard's approach to coaching is deeply personal and driven by his own set of values. "Football isn't really my world," he states candidly. "I love the game deeply. But everything around it doesn't appeal to me. I don't like judging people or criticizing players without knowing their dedication. Today, the meanest comments create buzz. That's the world's evolution."
This perspective was a significant factor when he initially hesitated to return to football. "It's not that I didn't think about coaching; I just didn't see myself returning to football," Digard said. "I wanted to protect my children from the harsh realities of the sport, but they were the ones who encouraged me to pursue this path."
Coaching Style
His coaching philosophy is as straightforward as his character: "My style is offensive; it reflects my personality. It's what excites me," Digard explains. "The players know it's what I love, and we'll do nothing else. They must find the courage to do it and enjoy it together."
Digard's journey as a coach has taught him to embrace responsibility naturally. "I don't force anything. I never walk in thinking I'm the coach, even though I'm responsible for the team," he notes. "I have an office I never use; I put a chair in the staff room because it's what I like: sharing good times with people who have a common goal."
Reflecting on his time at Nice, where he served as interim head coach, Digard recalls an impressive 14-match unbeaten streak. "It was incredible, almost surreal," he admits with a smile. "You can plan all you want, but you'll never imagine it. Many factors made it even more special."
When asked about his future at Le Havre, Digard remains pragmatic. "People often hide from reality, but this is true for everyone. I hope my time here will be very long." He acknowledges the inherent uncertainty in coaching: "The day [Mathieu Bodmer] has to fire me, it'll be because I'm no longer the right person for the job, nothing else. It will be purely professional."
Inspired by Carlo Ancelotti
When asked who embodies the perfect coach, Didier Digard doesn't hesitate: "99% Carlo Ancelotti, with 0.5% Thomas Tuchel and 0.5% Pep Guardiola." His admiration for Ancelotti goes beyond tactics and trophies. During his coaching formation, Digard spent a week in Madrid with the Italian coach of Real Madrid, which profoundly impacted him.
"What impressed me the most? The humility, the sharing, the tolerance," Digard reflects. "He gave me so much more than any other coach I've encountered. You're at the biggest club in the world, and he opens all the doors for you. You attend videos, meetings, and you're encouraged to share your opinion even when you're absolutely nobody. Ancelotti has won everything, yet he knows he can learn from everyone. That humility fascinated me."
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