Successful Interim Mission by Christian Bracconi – Passing a Revitalised, Confident Squad to Patrice Beaumelle
Source: La Presse
A Psychological Shock That Paid Off
The “psychological shock” that Christian Bracconi delivered by joining the staff of the new head‑coach Patrice Beaumelle is already making waves at the Parc B.
“It’s a 50/50 probability,” Bracconi told live TV on Watania 1 after Saturday’s win over Stade Tunisien.
The interim “blood‑and‑gold” coach admitted the victory was hard‑won but was proud of completing his brief:
“My mission was to win the three matches. We did it.
Each game had a different complexion and its own atmosphere. The derby against ST was tense and difficult; the players were tired, but we responded well.
We scored and could have taken the lead in the first half. We managed the rest of the game, despite the difficulty, and the contract is fulfilled.”
He added with a satisfied smile:
“Now Patrice Beaumelle arrives. We welcome him and the new staff. He will take charge of a team that is renewing itself and regaining confidence – a very positive sign for the challenges ahead.”
No Time to Breathe
The next crucial deadline is the Champions League quarter‑final against Egypt’s Al Ahly. The “blood‑and‑gold” side must secure a good result in the first leg in Radès; the better the outcome in Tunis, the easier the task will be in Cairo.
“We’ll start thinking about the Al Ahly clash when the time is right – we’re already working on it. The league continues.
We have a match in Métlaoui, then we face Béja. Still, we must keep the March quarter‑final against Al Ahly in mind. That tie is already being prepared,” said Bracconi.
One thing is clear: Bracconi has steered the squad back onto the winning path. Players have regained self‑belief, especially Florian Danho, who is both a scorer and a creator.
- Diakité, Diarra, and Danho now form an attacking trio capable of troubling any defence.
- However, Diarra and Danho need to sharpen their finishing to avoid squandering big chances.
A single missed opportunity against Al Ahly could jeopardise qualification for the semi‑finals.
What Lies Ahead
What Bracconi achieved during his interim spell is promising, but it is not enough yet. More work is required before mid‑March.
- Focus: Keep the squad’s momentum while preparing tactically for Al Ahly.
- Improvement: Polish the finishing of Diarra and Danho.
- Goal: Secure a positive result in the first leg (13‑15 March, Radès) to make the return leg in Cairo more manageable.
Quick Reference
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Next big match | Champions League QF – Al Ahly (first leg) |
| Date | 13 – 15 March 2026 |
| Venue | Radès, Tunisia |
| Current focus | League fixtures vs. Métlaoui & Béja + preparation for Al Ahly |
Further Reading
EST: First Training Session Today for Beaumelle
Keywords: Christian Bracconi, interim coach, Patrice Beaumelle, Champions League quarter‑final, Al Ahly, Tunisian football, blood and gold, Radès, Ligue 1, squad confidence
