The announcement took everyone by surprise. Two weeks ago, the Brazilian Bernardinho unexpectedly left his post as coach of the French volleyball team, just a few months after his induction. Replaced since by the Italian Andrea Giani, the technician was able to specify the reasons for his resignation during an interview with L’Equipe. “Since my divorce, the situation has been a bit difficult with my two daughters. The youngest (12 years old) suffered from the separation. […] Psychologically, she was bad. We discussed, but I realized that I could not leave her alone, “said the 62-year-old coach.
Bernardinho, whose real name is Bernardo Rezende, had taken the lead of a reigning Olympic champion French team in the hope of winning a second title, at home in 2024. Considered the best coach in the world, Laurent’s successor Tillie led Brazil to two Olympic titles, in 2004 and 2016, three World Championships and two World Cups.
The Rio de Janeiro native clarified that this decision was “the most difficult of [sa] life”: “It’s not easy to abandon such a beautiful, such a special project. There was the Paris Games in sight, with a great group of players. He emphasized his good relations with the Blues, citing in particular young players like Barthélémy Chinenyeze, Trévor Clévenot or Antoine Brizard.
Silence d’Earvin Ngapeth
Following his departure, Bernardinho explains that he was able to speak with all the members of the France team except one, Earvin Ngapeth. A situation he regrets, but which he intends to quickly remedy. “I sent him a message to thank him, tell him what I think… When we finish the season (with the Flamengo women’s team), I want to go to Modena and greet him, kiss him. My experience was short but being with such an artist is something unique,” he says, wishing the French star to “assume the role of leader” in the future.
Knowing that his decision was unexpected, especially on the part of the French Volleyball Federation and the players, he specified that his position had been carefully considered and that he did not regret his choice. “But when I see my little girl more serene, I tell myself that I made the right decision. In life you have to respect an order: health, family and work. During my career, I have often reversed this order. I was mistaken. And I couldn’t be wrong again,” he concluded.