Max Veloso: “There is a renewed energy and motivation”

He had become unbreathable, but a new wind seems to be blowing over La Maladière. Since Monday, Neuchâtel Xamax players have been under the orders of Jeff Saibene. The new coach of the Challenge League football club has his hands full trying to straighten out a team that has scored zero after six league games. RTN went to the stadium on Wednesday morning to take the pulse with a former member of the house, Max Veloso. The Neuchâtelois speaks of his new coach “as a very human person who brings and instills a lot of positivity”. On the field side, if it is still a bit early to go into details, the main lines of the game concepts that he wishes to put in place have been laid down.

It must be said that time is running out to straighten out the “red and black” formation both morally and physically. Coach Saibene solicits his troops intensively. The number of training sessions increased with two sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The arrival of a new coach also redistributes the cards within a contingent. Max Veloso evokes “a renewed energy and motivation, but also a remobilization of the troops”.

To carry out his mission and put Xamax back on the right track, Jeff Saibene is assisted by Hugo Cabouret who also works as a physical trainer. The 51-year-old experienced Frenchman has worked in many French clubs in the past. Max Veloso describes him as a demanding man, but also a great listener. “It helps us to be able to manage all our feelings”, underlines the Xamaxian midfielder.

The arrivals of Jeff Saibene and Hugo Cabouret therefore seem to give new impetus to this Xamax version 2022/23. They are also bearers of hope for the Xamaxian community. Max Veloso is also perfectly aware that a reaction is required and that the discontent is great among the supporters. However, he wants to reassure them. “The group lives well, it is motivated and it wants to be forgiven”.

Neuchâtel Xamax will try to take advantage of this new dynamic from Saturday at 6 p.m. on the lawn of Stade Lausanne Ouchy, a match to be experienced live on RTN. /jpp