This is an omission that may not be entirely unintentional. In the press conference after the good draw achieved by his team against the French, at the Stade de France (0-0), the Israeli coach wanted to thank Nicolas Sarkozy and François Hollande, but did not fail to mention Emmanuel Macron.
Returning to the welcome received by France and the security system put in place to protect its players, Ran Ben Shimon had very strong words. “We thank the security services who protected us. We thank the French authorities. Security was amazing and fantastic. France was exceptional. We thank Sarkozy and Hollande.”
The two former presidents of the Republic were present this Thursday evening in the well-stocked presidential gallery of the Dionysian arena. They watched the game side by side. The Israeli coach’s omission is perhaps linked to Emmanuel Macron’s comments in recent weeks on the topic of the conflict between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah in Gaza and Lebanon, which have caused a lot of ink to circulate.
“I am not sure that we defend a civilization by sowing barbarism ourselves,” he said notably in late October, a few days after telling the Israeli prime minister: “Mr. Netanyahu must not forget that his country was created by a United Nations decision. A few hours before the match, however, he had affirmed his determination to ensure that everything went as best as possible for the visiting team. “We will not give in to anti-Semitism anywhere and violence, even in the French Republic, will never prevail, nor will intimidation.”
Regarding the match, the Israeli coach returned to the historical significance of his team’s match. “It’s an exceptional result,” he commented on the match itself. This is our first point in the Nations League. One point after an excellent battle. We have a team that fights for the Israeli people. Our goalkeeper, Daniel Peretz, works hard, hence this result. I’m very proud of this point. Chicken is very tough. The goal was to move forward, show our energy, show football everywhere, not necessarily take points. We showed the public that we can believe in this team. The community that supports us and has seen this result is important to our hearts. »
How do sports analysts interpret the relationship between political commentary and athlete performances?
Interview: Navigating Political Context in Sports – A Conversation with Sports Analyst Dr. Julien Martel
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Martel! It’s a pleasure to have you here to discuss a fascinating event from a recent football match. Let’s dive right in. During a press conference following a draw between an Israeli team and the French national team, coach Ran Ben Shimon notably thanked former presidents Nicolas Sarkozy and François Hollande but omitted current President Emmanuel Macron. What do you think led to this omission?
Dr. Julien Martel: Thank you for having me! It’s certainly an intriguing point of discussion. In the world of sports, coaches and players often navigate not just the game itself but also the broader political landscape. Coach Ben Shimon’s decision to thank Sarkozy and Hollande while overlooking Macron could be interpreted in several ways. It may be a reflection of historical alliances, or perhaps even a subtle expression of political sentiment.
Editor: That’s an interesting perspective. The relationship between politics and sports is complex. Do you think that this kind of public omission can have broader repercussions in diplomatic relations, especially considering France’s position on international issues?
Dr. Martel: Absolutely. Sports can serve as a diplomatic bridge, and gestures, whether intentional or not, can impact perceptions. In this case, by thanking Sarkozy and Hollande, who have had significant influence on French-Israeli relations, Ben Shimon might be signaling a preference for a particular political stance from the past. However, neglecting the current president could lead to misunderstandings or strained relations, especially if Macron perceives it as a slight.
Editor: Speaking of relations, did Ben Shimon’s comments about the security measures taken by French authorities carry a deeper meaning? He praised the security setup, calling it “amazing and fantastic.”
Dr. Martel: Definitely. His emphasis on the impressive security measures highlights a sensitive topic—the safety of players and officials during international events. Given the current global climate, where security concerns are paramount, a coach’s praise could also be a calculated move to acknowledge and validate the host country’s efforts. This could help foster goodwill, even amidst political tensions.
Editor: So you’re saying that every word counts in this politically charged atmosphere. Could this also be an opportunity for Ben Shimon to establish himself as a bridge between cultures, particularly in a world where sports are often seen as a unifying force?
Dr. Martel: Precisely! Coaches and players can embody roles that transcend sport. By navigating this political landscape thoughtfully and engaging both the media and public opinion positively, Ben Shimon has the chance to enhance his reputation not just as a coach, but as someone aware of and responsive to the larger socio-political context. It’s a fine balance, but it’s crucial in today’s interconnected world.
Editor: Dr. Martel, thank you for your insights! It certainly seems that in the realm of sports, what happens on the field is often interwoven with what happens off it. This discussion leaves us pondering the intricate relationship between politics and sports.
Dr. Martel: Thank you for having me. It’s always a pleasure to explore the dynamic interplay of sports and politics, and I look forward to seeing how future events unfold in this arena.