An emblematic figure of French football, Joël Bats left his mark on the minds of those who met him on the pitch, like Claude Barrabé.
In the history of the France team, few goalkeepers have left such an indelible image in the hearts and minds of supporters. If Fabien Barthez made history by becoming the first French goalkeeper to be crowned world champion (1998), Joël Bats also wrote his legend a few years earlier. Winner of Euro 84 with the Blues, the one who was the goalkeeper of PSG from 1985 to 1992 marked his era, so much so that some players still remember him vividly.
Another goalkeeper in the French championship in the 80s and 90s, Claude Barrabé had the opportunity to meet the French international throughout his career. And for him, there is no doubt, Joël Bats was the greatest. During an interview published Sunday in The Team, the former goalkeeper who played for PSG and Montpellier, was asked to give the name of the best player he has ever worked with. His response came: “ Joël Bats at PSG. I arrived from Reunion, then from INF Vichy and he came from the World Cup in Mexico (1986). He inspired me. Wisdom and technique beyond average. »
A visionary
For Claude Barrabé, his former teammate was even a pioneer in the revival of the goalkeeper position. “ A visionary of the position, with his sense of anticipation, his left foot which easily found (Vahid) Halillhodzic or (Dominique) Rocheteau. I observed his supports, his pushes. » The two men played together for two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain, before Barrabé took charge of Brest.
As for Joël Bats, he will retire when he leaves PSG in 1992. Champion of France with Paris in 1986 and of this famous Euro 84 with the Blues, the native of Mont-de-Marsan may not have a track record worthy of his talent, but he nonetheless remains a reference.
