Thomas Drouot leaves Strasbourg for Boulogne-sur-Mer: « I’m not worried about SIG »

Thomas Drouot will no longer be on SIG Strasbourg’s bench next season. Called to the rescue after Laurent Vila’s dismissal in early March, the Parisian coach fulfilled his mission, although without reaching the play-ins. Already committed to Boulogne-sur-Mer in Nationale 1, he reflects in the Dernières Nouvelles d’Alsace on this eventful experience and his departure.

Mission accomplished but with a sense of incompleteness

Arriving in Strasbourg in summer 2023 as assistant to Massimo Cancellieri, then Laurent Vila, Thomas Drouot was given responsibility for the first team in early March in a delicate context. With five wins and five losses, his record is balanced, and most importantly sufficient to guarantee maintenance. He leaves SIG after a victory against Gravelines-Dunkerque, his last game on the bench.

« We stuttered in our basketball, once again, » he summarizes in DNA, particularly regretting turnovers and certain game decisions. « At +22, it’s not serious if a player misses a shot. It’s more problematic to refuse an open one. »

The coach admits strong frustration at missing qualification for the play-ins: « We all wanted to finish well and the players did the job for the last game. But there’s enormous frustration. »

An eventful season with young players in the spotlight

Thomas Drouot finished the season giving playing time to the group’s young players, like Illan Pietrus or Maxence Lemoine, rewarded for his commitment. However, he regrets the injury absence of Brice Dessert, whom he hoped would finish strong after a promising season start.

His time at SIG was marked by structural instability. « I will have known almost four presidents, » he confides. Nevertheless, he mainly remembers the pleasure of working with his colleagues and the club’s human wealth. « I never regretted saying yes to Massimo. I loved this club. »

SIG’s future in reconstruction

While Latvian Jānis Gailītis is expected to take over on the Strasbourg bench, and a new president is awaited, the club begins a new cycle. Despite regular internal turbulence, Thomas Drouot remains confident: « Sure, finding some stability can help but I’m not worried about SIG. »