- Bernard Verret, journalist and writer, wrote an autobiography on José Arribas, former trainer of the FCN (1960-1976).
- This technician won the first three titles of champion of France of the club and left in inheritance a style of play.
For many, he is probably not the best known coach of FC Nantes today. José Arribas, however, is the one who shaped an immortal style of play in the minds of football enthusiasts: Nantes-style play. Bernard Verret, journalist and writer, has just released an autobiography ( José Arribas, the game or death ) on this technician, reputed to have installed Nantes in the elite of French football (1960-1976) and registered the first broad lines in the club awards (titles of champion of France in 1965, 1966 and 1973 and an old League Cup formula in 1965).
"There are few coaches in France who have invented a game philosophy, believes Bernard Verret, who for" his autobiography written like a novel "met three times Suzanne, the wife of José Arribas. There was Albert Batteux and the game à la rémoise and José Arribas. Here are five things to know at all costs about this coach who left an invaluable legacy and an indelible mark in Nantes.
He arrives at Nantes in 16 as a Basque refugee
“José-Luis [his real name] Arribas escapes from Bilbao alone. He is only 16 years old. His boat, on which there are 1,850 refugees [Spanish war], is turned back to Bordeaux then to La Rochelle. He was finally welcomed to Nantes where he arrived on July 5, 1937. He said at the time that he had not seen a piece of bread for six months. Refugees are dispatched to camps. José Arribas lands in Toulouse. He escapes to Bordeaux and works as dockers. He plays soccer with the dockers team. His nickname is Bibi compared to Bilbao. "
A first experience on a bench… totally fortuitous
“In 1948, he was a Le Mans player in division 2. One day, during a train trip to Toulouse, Le Mans coach decided to stop at Montauban because he had friends there. An hour before the match kicks off, there is still no coach. All the players then turn to José Arribas. "Bibi, are you taking the team ?!" He accepts and changes the team composition and tactics. The wingman becomes lateral etc. Le Mans, who had to take a pill, wins. "
Barely arrived in Nantes, already disputed
“In 1969, Jean Clerfeuille, president of the FCN at the time [in D2], was looking for a cheap coach because he had no money. Henri Guérin, coach in Rennes at the time [coach of the Blues from 1964 to 1966], gave him the name of José Arribas. The interview took place on July 14, 1960. José arrived from Noyen-sur-Sarthe, where he was a DH coach. He laughs at the money so they quickly agree with Clerfeuille. Arribas returns home and announces to his wife Suzanne that they are leaving for Nantes. He hadn't even warned her of the meeting. At the beginning in Nantes, it did not go very well because its name said nothing to anyone. Beginning of the season, 6th day, 10-2 defeat from Nantes to Boulogne! On the return train, Arribas tells everyone that he is going to be fired. Clerfeuille decides to keep it. Within the steering committee, it is contested. José, it's a game made of small passes, some want a more physical style. One day, during the 61-62 season, important players invite themselves to a board of directors and defend it. "If you fire Arribas, you put us on the transfer list!" "
It is inspired by Brazil 58 seen on television and by Bill Shankly
“The 1962-1963 season was the year of the rise to D1. Arribas is inspired by Brazil 58, which he saw on television, and Liverpool coach Bill Shankly. He sets up a 4-2-4 with a zone marking. In France, everyone uses individual marking. He invented the game in Nantes. He trains young people like Gondet, De Michèle, Simon Suaudeau etc. and convinces them to play football, tinged with technique, imagination, movement and collective spirit. It is easier because they are young. Arribas embodies romantic football. In France, certain journalists in particular are more convinced by the Italian football of the time based on catenaccio ,a defensive game system. Arribas doesn't want that. Nantes will be champion of France in 1965, 1966 and 1973 with him. "
The FCN did not fight to keep it…
“In 1976, he left Nantes after 16 years spent there. Such longevity is rare. At the end of his contract, he claims a two-year contract from President Fonteneau, but the leaders want to renew it only one year. Its results are slightly worse. Fonteneau is rather favorable to keep it for two years, but internally, some do not want it. Claude Simonet [former president of the French Football Federation] is one of those who do not want to keep it. And Simonet had a friend, whose name is Jean Vincent. It was the latter who took over from José Arribas in 1976. "
Nantes
FC Nantes: Former club president Jean Clerfeuille has died
Sport
Mercato FC Nantes: The former Red, Pedro Chirivella, almost never used in Liverpool, can he win in Ligue 1?
In order
To order José Arribas, the game or death (360 pages), send an email to bernard.verret@wanadoo.fr (29 euros + 8 euros postage)
- Books
- Reading
- Soccer
- Nantes
- FC Nantes
- Sport