Ligue 1: for Dimitry Bertaud, a new chance to shine, today against Reims

August 8, he crosses the limit of his dreams. Dimitry Bertaud faces OM and Steve Mandanda, yesterday’s idol and forever reference. At the end of the defeat (2-3), he recovers his jersey, folds it up in the bag of his youth to switch to another life. To enter fully into the profession, go from spectator to actor.

The young guard comes out of his role as understudy, riveted on the bench for three years (2017-2020) and her discretion to grasp her destiny. In the wake of a feverish career in the Coupe de France, stopped in May by PSG, « Dim » (23) started the season as a starter. Five first matches as a springboard and a suspended flight. « I’m not necessarily living badly this season, but I’m frustrated. These first matches allowed me to consolidate my ideas, to prove to myself that I can play and gain confidence. At almost 24 years old, i need play timeotherwise I will never start my career and I will always be blocked », he admits in a calm tone before being established on Sunday in front of Reims due to the suspension of Jonas Omlin.

More than a lining

If coaches favor alternation, even competition, Olivier Dall’Oglio relies on a hierarchy as a goalkeeper. « When the coach justified his choice, I had a hard time taking it », he says after a summer of frustration. Under the effect of the double refusal of a loan and a selection for the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Until then, Benjamin Lecomte (2017-19) and Argentinian international Géronimo Rulli (2019-20) have left him no space or playing time. « I was in the learning phase and their performance closed the door to me », he breathes, reviving a dated fatalism. Since Omlin’s arrival, in the first season plagued by injuries, Dimitry Bertaud has not only played a game here, a game there, he has « liberated » himself over time. « When I was playing a Cup round, the questions focused on me. Does Bertaud have the level, can he be number 1? I had no room for error. »

His ability to play in L1 no longer arises

The winner of the Gambardella (2017), originally from Castries, shook off the fear of error to bite into the present. « Last year (14 matches), I had a click. I matured and my status has changed. My state of mind too. I prepare as if I was going to play and put myself in the head of a N°1. I am less attentive. I want to go get something and earn my place. Some are content to be No. 2 and watch the others play, I don’t want to. » he says.

Under his square shoulders, and a placid tone, hides a strength of character. « Dimitry does not let it go, he shows his character more and more », adds Jean-Yves Hours, new goalkeeper coach. « As for his ability to play in Ligue 1, the question no longer arises. » On January 29, in the round of 16 of the Coupe de France against OM (1-1, 5-4 pens), under the eyes of the Vélodrome and Steve Mandanda, we had only seen him.

#MHSCSDR The Montpellier group ✔️
? 20 players called up
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— MHSC (@MontpellierHSC) April 16, 2022

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