“Hosting Poitiers, a big name in French volleyball, a League A team, it’s the dream poster. » Grégory Alleix, the Royan coach, is over the moon a few hours away from hosting the Poitevins (two French championship titles and two French Cups to their name), Tuesday, at 8 p.m. “We have absolutely nothing to lose,” continues the coach, impatient to return to competition after the confectioners' break.
“We can't wait to play,” confirms Belgian receiver-attacker Martin Lallemand, who took two weeks of vacation in his native country. It did me good to take a break from volleyball… even though our physical trainer Laurent Lécina had given us a program to get back in shape. »
Receiving the Alterna Stade Poitevin Volley-Ball is “a pride, an honor but also a reward for our volunteers and the Pays Royannais,” continues Grégory Alleix. It is also the way to see the height of the step to take to join the A League, which ultimately constitutes our objective. » Also, the Pirates studied the game of their neighbors, “a very complete team, which has a strong central axis”, estimates the Saintongeais coach who noted that the Poitevins had often escaped thanks to the international Earvin Ngapeth at the end of the match. However, as we know, the double Olympic champion joined the Fenerbahçe club in Türkiye a few days ago.
Stuff after the holidays
“Without this essential player, their pattern of play is no longer the same,” underlines a cautious but confident Martin Lallemand. We will play without any pressure, the Cup is not our priority objective but I am convinced that we have the means to do something against this big team. » Grégory Alleix, for his part, is not deluding himself too much: “They have not known a truce, they are more in the rhythm than us. Taking a set from them would be good; two, that would be great! »
“This prestigious meeting will allow us to get back on track before receiving France Avenir”
This match is already historic, since it is the first time that a first division team has come against a team from Royan. The icing on the cake or, rather, a helping of foie gras and oysters after New Year's Eve… The enthusiasm is palpable and 700 places have already been taken up this weekend. “We are focused on Poitiers but we also have in mind the resumption of our championship, on January 18 at Espace Cordouan,” says Martin Lallemand. “This prestigious meeting will allow us to get back on track before hosting France Avenir,” hopes his coach, who intends to see his team grow a little more on Tuesday.
Oriol package
Having undergone surgery, Jean Oriol will not be on the floor on Tuesday. It is Julien Bernard who will inherit the captain's armband. All other players are available.
Royan 9th in League B – Poitiers 4th in Marmara Spike League
Lieu Royan (Espace Cordouan) Hourly Tuesday, at 8 p.m. Referees MM. Guillet and Quentin
ROYAN Bernard (c) Guelle, Pasquier, Boyomo, Faustino, Abdelhedi, Guelle, Paulin, Vieux, Chaussende, Chaillou, Petro
