"Le Havre's triumph stems from its unique three-tiered leadership approach: an open policy of transparency"
In the small port city of Le Havre, France, a unique partnership is driving the success of the local football club, Le Havre AC (HAC). The trio of Jean-Michel Roussier, Mathieu Bodmer, and Didier Digard have built a close-knit team both on and off the pitch, creating a harmonious environment that has allowed the club to thrive despite limited resources.
Jean-Michel Roussier, the President of HAC since June 2022, oversees institutional matters, liaises with shareholders, manages the club's finances, and supervises all teams. His transparency and open communication with Mathieu Bodmer, the sporting director, and Didier Digard, the head coach, are key to their successful collaboration. Roussier intervenes with the players only when asked, preferring to let the coaching duo handle the day-to-day operations.
Mathieu Bodmer, a former player and consultant at Mediapro, was brought to HAC alongside Digard in 2022. The two friends, who met during their years together in Nice, share an office at the club. Bodmer's role at HAC includes transfers, and he can be found everywhere at the club, from matches and training sessions to the academy.
Didier Digard, the head coach, has a broader function at HAC beyond just coaching. He joined Roussier and Bodmer when meeting Antony Gautier, the director of arbitration. Last season, Digard requested the signing of Junior Mwanga to assist in the maintenance operation, demonstrating his active involvement in the team's management.
The trio's friendship is evident in their daily interactions. Roussier maintains constant and direct contact with Bodmer and Digard, even during the off-season, often inquiring about their families. He offered emotional support to Digard during difficult times as coach. Digard discovered another facet of his friendship with Bodmer when he became the coach at HAC.
Their close bond has been instrumental in HAC's success. In three years, Bodmer has only spent money on one player, Rassoul Ndiaye, with the rest being loans or free agents. Despite very limited financial resources, HAC manages to stay on course, and the foundation of its success lies largely in the extremely close and very friendly relationship between its three key figures.
However, the trio's unity has not been without challenges. Fans called for Didier Digard's departure at times, but Jean-Michel Roussier stood firm, stating that no one could have changed their minds. The trio's resilience and unwavering commitment to each other have been crucial in navigating these difficult moments.
As HAC continues to defy expectations with their on-field performances, the bond between Roussier, Bodmer, and Digard remains the cornerstone of their success. Their approachable and collaborative style has created a positive and supportive atmosphere at the club, fostering a sense of unity that extends beyond the pitch.
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