Officially unveiled this morning in front of the media, the new head coach of Espérance Sportive de Tunis, Patrice Beaumelle, delivered a dense, structured and highly revealing speech. It offered a clear insight into both the man and the coach entrusted with leading the Blood and Gold through a decisive phase of the season. Between gratitude, lucidity and declared ambition, the French technician laid the foundations of his project.
From the outset, Beaumelle chose to frame his arrival within a spirit of respect and continuity. Before speaking about his new challenge, he paid tribute to the Angolan Football Federation and its president, Alves Simões, for facilitating his release, while wishing the Palancas Negras every success in the future. A gesture that reflects his sense of loyalty and professionalism.
The new coach expressed his sincere thanks to club president Hamdi Meddeb, vice-president Riadh Bennour, and the entire board, as well as sporting director Yazid Mansouri, whom he has known for over a decade. This long-standing relationship of trust is a key element in the construction of a coherent sporting project.
Beaumelle also highlighted the quality of the work carried out by Christian Bracconi during his interim spell. Three wins from three matches, renewed confidence and improved performances: the French coach praised the existing staff and confirmed that Bracconi will remain fully involved, particularly in strengthening the bridge between the first team and the academy.
Fully aware of the club’s DNA, Patrice Beaumelle underlined that Espérance must always aim high, on all fronts: league, cup and CAF Champions League. With a postponed match to be played shortly, the schedule is demanding but stimulating. “All indicators are green,” he suggested, stressing that the team is already on the right track.
The upcoming Champions League quarter-final against Al Ahly is naturally on everyone’s mind. Beaumelle described the clash as a “final before the final”, between two giants of African football. Still, he insisted on avoiding premature projections: every upcoming match must serve as preparation, because confidence is built through successive victories.
With a pool of around 35 to 36 players potentially available for first-team duty, Beaumelle’s priority is to get everyone back on track, particularly those returning from injury. He mentioned Youssef Belaïli, whom he knows well, and whose recovery must be handled carefully. The same applies to key players such as Yassine Meriah and Mohamed-Amine Tougaï, whose absences have weighed heavily on the team.
The message is clear: everyone must feel involved, both physically and mentally, to ensure healthy competition and maximum options for the coaching staff.
Beaumelle was quick to acknowledge Espérance’s current strengths, particularly their defensive solidity and collective discipline. Offensively, however, he believes there is room for improvement, especially in combination play and finishing in the final third.
His philosophy is based on dynamic football: pressing, verticality, movement and quick combinations. Keeping possession for its own sake is not his priority; what matters is progressing, creating danger and finishing actions — a demand that aligns perfectly with the expectations of the Blood and Gold supporters.
Describing himself as a “work addict”, Patrice Beaumelle emphasised his total commitment to the club, far beyond match days. Building success, in his view, requires daily presence, dialogue and attention to the invisible aspects of performance.
With nearly twenty years of experience in African football, both with clubs and national teams, he underlined his deep understanding of the continent’s passion, fervour and specific challenges. If humility is essential at a club like Espérance, determination is just as non-negotiable: winning, building and playing attractive football are inseparable objectives.
Asked about players who have been sidelined in recent months, Beaumelle advocated dialogue and transparency, while firmly reiterating a core principle: nothing stands above the institution. Individual situations will be discussed internally, always with the club’s interests and group stability in mind.
In closing, the new coach summed up his vision with a strong message: “The star is the team.” A statement that sets the tone for a tenure built on collective spirit, hard work and ambition — fully in line with the history and expectations of Espérance Sportive de Tunis.