"Clermont in Crisis: Inconsistency, Loss of Influence, and a Perilous Situation"

The article published on the RC Toulon website in February last year left Christophe Urios seething with anger, causing a minor diplomatic rift between the two clubs, who were fierce rivals in the early 2010s. However, the facts cannot be ignored: ASM, who will host Bordeaux-Bègles this Friday, is facing a grave situation. Despite winning the French championship in 2010 and 2017, the club has experienced a significant decline since then. Inconsistent results, chronic inconsistency, and a tarnished reputation have become its hallmarks. Clermont has failed to qualify for the Top 14 playoffs since losing the 2019 final to Toulouse, a stark contrast to their remarkable run of eleven consecutive qualifications from 2007 to 2017. It appears to be the end of an era.

This season is following a similar pattern. Despite having a high-quality squad, ASM seems to oscillate between impressive performances and lackluster ones. The influence of Christophe Urios is struggling to make a substantial impact. The team encounters numerous challenges, whether it's the faltering set-piece or unexpected setbacks. In their recent match against Section Paloise at Hameau, Clermont suffered a 22-11 defeat, with a rather lackluster first-half performance.

Known for his forthright nature, Christophe Urios has oscillated between praise and criticism this season. In Pau, he praised the impact of substitutes, acknowledging their energy and refusal to accept defeat. However, following a loss to Lyon (41-22), he expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, "I didn't see what I wanted to see, and I saw what I didn't want to see. There is work to be done." After a home defeat to RC Toulon, he took full responsibility, confessing, "This defeat is on me. We had a poorly managed week. Our training wasn't up to par, and we couldn't prepare the way we wanted to. Once again, it's my responsibility."

This season, Clermont has failed to achieve three consecutive victories. The three mini-winning streaks were all halted at two victories, perpetuating the perception of inconsistency and chronic vulnerability. Recent criticism of referees further reinforces the narrative of a team experiencing a decline, feeling unjustly judged compared to more dominant teams. Julien Laïrle, the forwards coach for Clermont, acknowledged this perception, stating, "We don't have a dominant scrum because referees think we cheat, that we are at fault. They often target Rabah (Slimani), and it bothers me a bit."

More worrisome is Clermont's decline in offensive efficiency. Under Vern Cotter's leadership since 2006, the team had developed a flamboyant and effective attacking style, earning a reputation alongside Stade Toulousain. However, those glorious days feel distant now. As of the 11th round, Clermont is sitting in eighth place in the standings, with a balanced record of five wins and five losses. However, they are the only team among the top eight with a negative points difference (-8). Having the lowest-scoring offense (225 points) and the weakest defense (233) among the top eight teams, Clermont faces significant challenges.

According to La Montagne, regardless of the outcome against UBB on Friday, Clermont's 2023 record will be negative. So far, the club has recorded 13 victories and 16 defeats. This mirrors the performance under the previous manager, Jono Gibbes, in 2022: 15 victories, 17 defeats, and one draw. Despite Christophe Urios's motivational efforts, the team seems to be faltering and progressing at a sluggish pace. The coach's patience is being tested, leading to the question: Are the players also feeling frustrated?