Racing to overtake Stade Francais?
Racing-Metro president Jacky Lorenzetti has said that he hopes his expensively-assembled side emulates the achievements of fellow Parisian Top 14 rivals Stade Français.
The real estate magnate - who got interested in the sport through his brothers-in-law who hail from the rugby stronghold of the south west of France - has invested heavily in the club since he became the majority shareholder in 2006 when they were languishing in the second division.
They gained promotion to the Top 14 in 2009 and have finished sixth and second in the standings in their two seasons back among the elite but Lorenzetti is determined that the club add to its five titles with the last one coming back in 1990.
Stade, by contrast, have won the title 13 times - the most recent in 2007 - but have slumped in recent seasons both on and off the pitch with the flamboyant former radio mogul Max Guazzini having to cede power in the summer to Thomas Savare.
However, Lorenzetti is keen that, as the two clubs come face to face on Saturday and at the Stade de France for the first time, Racing enjoy the same success that Stade enjoyed during a large part of Guazzini's reign as owner.
"In terms of profile etcetera, the new Stade Français owner (Thomas Savare) has the appearance of wanting to do things by creating an impression, therefore it is a case of reheating something, there is nothing new," he said.
"It will be Johnny (Halliday) who will blow the whistle for the kick-off, so we are still very much in 'showtime' still. Sportswise, it is a team that I respect, with a more successful history than our own.
"It is my ambition, that we emulate their record. Since the start of the season, they have implemented a stylish strategy, with a squad that is impressive both in terms of quality and quantity," he added.
The Racing president is more than aware that the clash with the Paris giants could prove pivotal in his team's bid for higher honours this year.
"We are set for a derby with something really at stake, not just the local rivalry, but also the winners will consolidate their place in the top six (the sides that compete in the title play-offs)," added Lorenzetti, who is underwriting a new stadium and training centre as part of his long-term investment in the club.
Lorenzetti, whose chequebook has lured stars such as Springbok 2007 World Cup winner Francois Steyn, Argentinian star Juan-Martin Hernandez and French icons Sebastien Chabal and Lionel Nallet, said he wasn't too concerned that trophies hadn't come their way yet.
"We have had a bit of an erratic start to the season with some good performances but also some disappointing ones, notably in Edinburgh (they lost 48-47 to the hosts in the European Cup in November).
"It is not a crisis. We are fifth in the Top 14, we still have an outside chance in the European Cup, we will give it our all in that competition. We have had problems in the transition from the way we played in the second tier to a more ambitious style.
"Our attitude has suffered a little as a result. It is imperative we rediscover this attitude, for we have given them a new impetus, a new message," he explained.
AFP