Mannix has bigger concerns on return to Paris than payback
His focus will be on the issues he has to address and it’s mainly about helping his new side into the position of the European power they enjoyed throughout the opening decade of the 21st century. So grudge?
“No there has never really been any bitterness about it,” he said. “When I was told I was no longer required I thought, ‘Shit, I haven’t finished off what I wanted to do here’.
“There was that sadness on my part that I didn’t finish what I wanted to achieve, but certainly no bitterness. I fully understand the way French rugby works. I’m pretty philosophical about it.”
Although Mannix admits to having “issues with one or two individuals”, he insisted he would never speak badly about the club.
“They made their decision and we move on with it. The six months when I didn’t know what I was going to do were difficult times but it wasn’t about bitterness.
“Coaching a victory with Munster at Racing? I couldn’t care where we went, just so long as we win. I don’t care who we’re playing. The bigger picture is coaching Munster to win away in the first game in the Heineken Cup. That’s what I want as an outcome this weekend.”
Mannix hopes his latest charges will work the coaching plan to perfection in Paris, even if he does admit Munster’s new style of expansive play is still a work in progress.
“It’s a bit tough to have to get it right in only six weeks, isn’t it? But that we’re creating so much tells me we’re doing things right, although I don’t want to be sitting here in two months’ time having the same conversation with you.”
As the day of reckoning nears, Mannix will spend more and more time looking at the possibilities and the pitfalls of Munster’s trip to France, although he concedes the vast bulk of his focus will have to centre on preparing his group of players for every eventuality.
He believes, however, that Racing will, in the middle of an injury crisis at out-half, ask new signing Olly Barkley to fill the number 10 jersey, although he says: “Not a bad fifth choice to have, is he?
“Ultimately, we need to look after we what we can control.
“I don’t want to get preoccupied with what they’re going to give. We know their individuals but it’s the attitude we bring, the physicality we can bring that will be all important.”
He is perfectly positioned to judge what type of mentality Racing will bring to the contest, however, and figures they will throw everything at his side, particularly because they’ve lost the last couple of matches.
Speculation about the future of current coaches in the club will bring an edge to the clash too.
“The talk has been going on since last season, an ongoing drama. The French love their dramas.
“It’s something that gave me a great attachment to French rugby. From one day to the next, you never knew what you were going to get.
“Yet again, one week out from the Heineken Cup, everything gets thrown up in the air. I expect a strong reaction and concentration from players.
“They won’t be too bothered about it for it is part of French rugby and the Top 14 and it certainly makes it more interesting.”
Vulnerability, the coach reckons, was often one of the strengths of French rugby.
“How often do we see it? You’ve seen it with the French in adversity pulling out these incredible performances.
“You only have to look at the last World Cup. How the hell did that happen? Did they deserve to be there? They were there and they were probably the better team in the final. although it hurts me to say it!
“It’s something in their nature that frustrates you but makes it part of their charm as well.
“They’re multi-cultural but they still have that French culture. Sometimes I’ve seen it with them and you think you’re going to get a roasting but they front up.”
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