In a recent interview with Swann Borsellino for the Ligue 1 McDonalds Box to Box show, Claude Puel resold his experience in case management Éric Abidal when he was a LOSC coach between 2002 and 2008. The story reveals a singular episode of the defender’s career, initially identified and developed by Puel in Monaco, where he was impressed by his qualities, even comparing him to Lilian Thuram. After Puel’s departure, Abidal saw his journey slowed down by Didier Deschamps, which led the Tarn coach to insist with his president Michel Seydoux to obtain his loan to Lille, a transfer finally concluded thanks to a small sum allowing the option to be lifted.

The arrival of Abidal in Lille marked a turning point, which quickly imposed itself as a key element of the team, despite the growing interest of Paris Saint-Germain, particularly attracted by an attractive salary. Claude Puel, determined not to give up his player, deployed a strategy of persuasion, confronting Abidal in his office and reminding him of the opportunities he had offered him throughout his career, insisting on a matter of respect for the club. This attitude initially provoked a strong emotional reaction in the player, who even damaged the door of his coach’s office, before returning to training without a word.

Finally, despite the temporary tensions, Abidal continued to stand out under the Lille colours, reaching an exceptional level of play that led to his transfer to Lyon and then Barcelona. Claude Puel is delighted to have not only contributed to the player’s development, but also to have helped him mature as a man, stressing that his respectful attitude and professionalism, observed later in his subsequent clubs, bear witness to a complete training, both sporting and moral, acquired in Lille.