France rugby union coach Marc Lievremont said he "learnt a lot" about himself during the 2009 Six Nations tournament, in an interview with the Sud Ouest newspaper published on Tuesday.
In a wide-ranging interview, Lievremont said the tournament "made me grow up" and went on to list the players who had both exceeded and fallen short of his expectations.
"Everyone warned me that, regarding the media, the honeymoon period was over," said the 39-year-old former France international backrow forward.
"Contrary to the advice of my support staff, I continue to read the papers and watch the TV, but it has boosted me. All of a sudden, I have the feeling that this tournament has made me grow up. I've learnt a lot about myself and about others.
"Without being arrogant, I feel up to the job," added Lievremont, whose side finished third in the Six Nations after suffering defeats to Ireland and England.
"I feel in control at the complicated moments and the message gets transmitted to the players."
On the lessons learnt from the championship, Lievremont said "we're getting there, but more slowly than I'd hoped".
"At the same time, we're not far away. For example, we had opportunities to win (against eventual Grand Slam champions Ireland) in Dublin."
Concerning his disappointments, Lievremont cited prop Lionel Faure, second row forward Jerome Thion, centre Florian Fritz and backrow forward Imanol Harinordoquy, "who went missing in England and at times in Ireland".
"I wanted to see more of him (Harinordoquy) in the first half at Twickenham," he added.
France's backs "improved less than the forwards," Lievremont said.
"Perhaps because we were a bit wobbly with the fly-half spot ten and because centre Yannick Jauzion's performances lacked the cutting edge that I'd expect from someone with his profile."
In his list of positives, Lievremont congratulated "(Maxime) Medard and (Damien) Traille, who gave us a huge amount".
"There are guys who will stay where they are for the time being: (Fabien) Barcella and little (Thomas) Domingo... At hooker, (Dimitri) Szarzewski is irreplaceable and (Benjamin) Kayser suffered by comparison every time he came on," Lievremont continued, noting also that flanker Thierry Dusautoir had a "very good tournament".
"There won't be a before and after Twickenham in 2009," Lievremont continued, in reference to France's 34-10 humbling at the home of English rugby.
"There will be continuity, with the players and with the game. If I had to pick my 30 players for the next tournament tomorrow, give or take three or four, I'd know who to take."
Copyright 2009 AFP Global Edition
