Gael Fickou 'expected more from himself' - Fabien Galthie

French rugby star Gael Fickou has expressed his disappointment behind closed doors with his own performance at the Rugby World Cup, where France made an early exit in the quarter-final stage.

France were dumped out of their own tournament following a 29-28 loss to eventual winners South Africa, a loss the country is still coming to terms with.

Fickou – France’s outstanding centre – was a player who maybe had a quieter tournament than maybe some had expected and it is now been revealed the player himself wasn’t satisfied with his showing.

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The admission came to light through an interview with head coach Fabien Galthie, who disclosed Fickou’s introspective evaluation in a conversation with Midi Olympique.

Galthie, known for his direct approach with media, shared Fickou’s sentiments, stating, “We talked about it, and he told me that he expected more from himself. He’s a champion, you know, very lucid about his performance, about his vision, and his ambitions. The answer lies with him, and he is determined to bring it.”

“When we meet on Monday in Marcoussis to prepare France – Ireland [ahead of the 2024 Six Nations], we will do uncompromising debriefings between us, as we have always done.”

Galthie also acknowledged the criticisms faced by the team and stated that they accept and embrace it.

“It will remain between us but there is no limit to the demands. We are very comfortable with that. We hear the criticism, we accept it. Gaël l “I accept too. We embrace it. Gaël’s challenge is interesting but we all have it, for various reasons.”

The French rugby team, despite the disappointment in the Rugby World Cup, seems poised to address their shortcomings with a commitment to self-improvement at the Six Nations. The match against the world No.2s provides an opportunity for redemption for Fickou and Les Bleus.