Search
Search
Log In
  • Live
  • My news
  • My games
  • My players
  • Scouting
  • Records
  • Pro Basketball Manager
  • CONTACT US
Betclic ELITE

Xavier Bonnafy (Limoges): « Can we be satisfied? No. But it was essential. »

Betclic ELITE - Relieved by Limoges CSP maintaining its place in Betclic Elite, Xavier Bonnafy discussed in Le Populaire du Centre the past season, future ambitions and next steps of a project he wants to be ambitious and structuring for the Limoges club.
|
Xavier Bonnafy (Limoges): « Can we be satisfied? No. But it was essential. »
Photo Credit : Limoges CSP / Sulyvan Manfroi

President of Limoges CSP, Xavier Bonnafy shared with Le Populaire du Centre his relief after the official confirmation of maintaining their spot in Betclic ELITE. A measured relief, as the CSP’s leader is already looking toward the future, aiming to structure the club to reach higher goals starting next season.

Maintenance objective achieved, but without triumphalism

« It was both satisfying and a relief, » summarized Xavier Bonnafy after Paris’s victory against Le Portel, which secured CSP’s position. While the club finished 14th with the 14th highest payroll, « the ranking always reflects the season, » he emphasized. However, the initial objective – maintenance – was achieved. « Can we be satisfied? No. But it was essential. »

The Limoges president regretted several missed opportunities: « We have some regrets because we didn’t capitalize on some winnable matches like against Gravelines or Saturday in Dijon. » The play-in was within reach, but the priority remained survival in the elite division, an essential condition for establishing the club’s project.

A structuring project in preparation

Xavier Bonnafy confirmed that CSP’s project had already been presented to the club’s internal bodies. « Within two weeks, it will be presented to local authorities and then to the public. It’s an innovative, ambitious, and dynamic project. » The plan notably includes increasing financial resources to aim higher, with the objective of « reaching the playoffs, at minimum the play-in » starting next season.

The financial balance remains under control despite partnership difficulties. The main shareholder injected 530,000 euros in December to secure the accounts, Bonnafy specified.

Crawford Palmer and future staff in sight

Regarding Crawford Palmer, the president praised his work: « He managed to build a team with a very tight payroll starting mid-July. His mission was to maintain the club’s position and he succeeded while adapting to our budgetary constraints. » With a reinforced budget, the sports director can begin recruitment now.

As for the staff, Bonnafy emphasized the importance of choosing the coach: « The coach’s role is the most important because they have a direct influence on the game. Choosing the coach is the absolute priority. » Currently in position, Finnish coach Mikko Larkas is the frontrunner.

In any case, with or without him, CSP is now turning toward a decisive summer to reach a new level.

Limoges
Limoges
Follow
Image Gabriel Pantel-Jouve
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve is the founder and editor-in-chief of BeBasket, which he has been running since 2010 (formerly known as Catch & Shoot). Having studied at the École Publique de Journalisme de Tours and two universities in North America, he has developed his expertise in French basketball, from the National League to amateur divisions, over the past 20 years. Alongside this, he is also involved in the development of clubs in the Montpellier area.
Xavier Bonnafy (Limoges): « Can we be satisfied? No. But it was essential. »