The disconcerting Stéphane Dalmat was never able to reach his full potential. Questionable behaviour and career choices mined the way that could have led him to the national team. With the signature of a two years contract at the Stade Rennais, the 31 years old his taking on a new challenge. Perhaps the last in a very chaotic career.
He is one of these players, whose itinerary transforms great expectations into vast deceptions. Stéphane Dalmat is still followed by the image of a rough diamond, never cut to the expectations of the highest level. When asked about his career, the player first denies any regrets: «I’m happy with my career. » But then he admits: « Maybe I could have been a full international. » He wore the blue jersey, but only with the U21 team, one of the sport’s greatest hopes. But hope only.
In January 2001, he is only 21. After Châteauroux, Lens, Marseille and Paris, he leaves for Italy and the Inter Milan. Under his belt, 102 Division 1 games, and 22 in the Champion’s League. Edouard Cissé played along Stéphane Dalmat in Paris and remembers : «In terms of raw talent, he is the best player I’ve ever trained with, except Ronaldinho. He was a phenomenon…»
In Italy, the “Midfield Ronaldo” (his nickname in France) was involved in a UEFA Cup semi-final, and another one in the Champion’s League. His playing time decreased gradually, but his two and a half seasons with the Nerazzurri were respectable. He even caught Jacques Santini’s eye, then France’s national coach, who came to watch him in action in two occasions.
The player had cravings for another challenge. « I wanted to discover England, the really attractive Premier League. » In truth, «things weren’t clearly said with the coach (i.e.: Hector Cuper). That’s why I requested to be transferred. »
Next destination: Tottenham, on loan. After impressive beginnings, the winds started to turn. The atmosphere became oppressive between him, « some English players » and the management. Once again, the player was weakened. « What he’s been lacking at several point of his career is probably a better entourage. He wasn’t protected enough», Edouard Cissé diagnoses.
To put himself back in the right direction, the player has a plan: heading back to France. The midfielder is loaned by Inter once more. In Toulouse, his performances were convincing. The French club was ready to hire him but could not afford it. « Financially, the difference of salary was way too big between the club’s offer and the final year on my Inter contract. I’m not afraid to say it. »
Released as a free-agent by the Inter management, Stéphane Dalmat had to find a club able to meet his financial requirements: The Racing Santander. « He will be our own Galactic! ». Manuel Huerta’s enthusiasm would be short-lived, and the Spanish club’s president terminated the player five years contract… after only one season of below par performances and a very uncertain motivation: Santander? « Just the chance to have a nice season... ».
In Bordeaux, his ninth professional club, Stéphane Dalmat didn’t play much. A screamer of a lob in the Champions League, against PSV Eindhoven brought him back under the spotlight the time of a few replays, not long enough to convince.
Sometimes you have to start from lower to get back to the top. After a few unsuccessful attempts to revive his career, the player finally bounced back with FC Sochaux. He stayed at the club for three years, a record for the player. Francis Gillot, his coach in Sochaux, made him a key-player and wished to keep him on board.
But the player’s journey has brought him to the Stade Rennais, his eleventh club. After Sochaux, Stéphane Dalmat hopes to « set his target higher, in a very ambitious club. » A 31, this is still possible. Provided he doesn’t waste any more time.
Disconcerting to his opponents on the field, Dalmat was often equally tricky to manage for his clubs.
Sulk
During the 1998-1999 season, Milan AC sent an offer to the RC Lens, then coached by Daniel Leclercq, in order to recruit the midfielder. The artesian club refused to consider a transfer. The player sulked for a month.
Rebellion
Playing in Paris in 2000, he stood up to Luis Fernandez: « One day, he asked the young players, except me, Anelka and Luccin to bring the balls and the rest of the material back in storage. Fifteen days later, with no reason, he told me to do it. I asked him: “Why now?” ». The player regrets his words.
Quarrels
During the 2003-2004 season, his first months in Tottenham were convincing. But he gradually lost feets in the dressing room, came to blows with a young player and criticised his management. The youngster’s talent had been spoiled by his behaviour once again.
Delay
Santander had put much hope on him. The player’s spell in Spain was a real flop, on and off the pitch. He got himself in trouble in late 2005, coming back from Christmas holidays with four days delay.
Rebellion (again)
This Summer, he was sentenced to a suspended 2 months jail sentence for punching a police agent a year earlier. Soon after the events, the player apologised and subsequently handed his FC Sochaux captain armband back.
« He is quick, powerful, has a great technique and a really good shooting ability but… he doesn’t know about playing football ». The harsh words become truly cruel when they are pronounced by Arrigo Sacchi, one of the world’s most regarded coaches.
Quotes from: www.om.net ; www.maxifoot.fr ; www.wsc.co.uk ; www.rmc.fr
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