How are you experiencing this return to the French team?
There was obviously disappointment at not being able to participate in the Olympic Games but I am happy. Being remembered is always a source of pride. There is also a new coach with Sébastien Gardillou and I wanted to participate in this new era. I'm excited to get started. I wasn't there during the last two competitions and the girls won medals (world champions in 2023, silver at the Olympics), so I'm coming to get one. The medals are what drives me.
You haven't taken part in an international competition with Les Bleues since Euro 2022. Hasn't it been too long?
Yes, especially since we finished fourth in this Euro 2022. What was strange for me was to return in April after a long absence (she became a mother in July 2023), to find the group on the way. I was able to observe the evolution of the team, particularly on the attack project. I had the chance to prepare for the Games in June, which allowed me to find my bearings and now I feel totally part of the team, as before.
How disappointing was it not to be at the Olympics?
It's an incredible event, it was difficult at the time to miss it, to see the matches. The disappointment was not quickly forgotten but I managed to quickly move on. If I wanted to be part of the French team again, I had to be good at club. That was my goal.
Have you thought about stopping your international career?
When an Olympics ends, it is also the beginning of a new chapter. I thought about it. But what emerged from my reflection was that I clearly did not want to end in disappointment. As long as I still have the flame and I am at the level to qualify for this selection, I cannot deprive myself of it. The discussions I was able to have with Sébastien influenced my desire to continue. I wanted to know if he was really counting on me or not for this Euro. If he was counting on me, I had to organize myself so that things went well with my little boy too. He listened to that, and so the project was able to get underway. They're counting on me, I'm 100%. So now, fire!
How will you experience the competition away from your boy?
They (her husband and her son) have been in Switzerland since Wednesday and until Monday. We started an internship on Monday the 18th, and it's good to see them in the middle. When they leave, there will be 13 days left. It would have been much more difficult to agree to leave for a month. It's essential for my balance, it will give me a boost.
How has the arrival of Raphaëlle Tervel at the club changed the winger that you are?
We have a lot more freedom in the club, I can do a lot more things that I try to reproduce in the France team. Before, we were more confined to finishing on our corner point. There, we participate much more in the game, we can take initiatives like going to a duel in the central sector, doing kung fu! This may seem surprising but it brings additional danger. I'm thriving.
France
