Julien Lairle (Bordeaux-Bègles coach, beaten by Gloucester and eliminated from the European Cups): “We suffered in the second half on their strong sector, the balls carried, we did not manage to counter them, as well as in the aerial fight. They had the wind at their backs at the start of the second half. With our two yellow cards (conceded), we knew they would accelerate, that they would seek to win the occupation battle and score quickly, which they did. We talked about a season that would not be transitional, it is clear that in the European Cup, we did not manage to keep our commitments. It’s a problem. We will need to take stock a bit, it shouldn’t be a setback, but today it’s a warning shot. Individually, the players were not at the rendezvous of this European Cup. In terms of indiscipline, it’s catastrophic. We have seven yellow cards in two matches. When you do the same, it’s a sign that over time, everyone thinks of themselves. When you make so many stupid mistakes, it’s because you’re not thinking about the team.»
Mahamadou Diaby (third line and captain of Bordeaux-Bègles): “Obviously it’s a disappointment. We usually want to progress but compared to previous years, we are regressing. Gloucester didn’t steal the game. We weren’t clinical enough, we had a lot of chances to score which would have changed the face of the game. We don’t score, we find ourselves under pressure, and it’s a vicious circle, we make mistakes and they played well. It gives us a good little reminder for the Top 14 with such high stakes.»