With the reception of the Pays d'Aix-Venelles, this Tuesday evening at 8 p.m. at the Palais des sports, the Béziers Volleyball players have the opportunity to qualify for the quarter-final of the Coupe de France in the event of victory.
This Tuesday evening, at the Palais des Sports Béziers-Méditionranée, Béziers will host Aix-Venelles, for the round of 16 of the French Women's Volleyball Cup. A competition that the Biterroises know well, since they were finalists in 2017 and 2018 then won the penultimate edition, in 2023.
Fabien Simondet, the coach who was already on the bench at the time, has big ambitions for this competition. “The Coupe de France is a concrete objective, because all teams can win itconfides the one who will be on the Béziers bench. This season, the championship is very homogeneous. No team really stands out, and in one match, I think we are capable of beating anyone.” An observation which nourishes the hope of the Biterroises, determined to seek, once again, a title accessible in just four victories. “Hosting Aix-Venelles is an advantage, and the format allows you to quickly project yourself towards a title”explains Simondet.
“At this level, every detail counts”
Aix-Venelles, currently 3e of the championship, arrives with confidence. During their last visit to Béziers, on October 12, the Aixoises won 3 sets to 2 in a closely contested match. This memory could be an additional source of motivation for the Angels, eager to take their revenge. Beyond national prestige, the title also offers a European place. “Victory in the Coupe de France gives access to the CEV Cup. It is therefore a double challenge: a trophy to add to the prize list and qualification for the European Cup”adds the coach.
With the support of the Béziers public, the Angels hope to repeat the feat of 2023 and continue their journey in a competition where everything remains possible. For Simondet, the objective is clear: “Focusing on each match like a final, because at this level every detail counts.” This round of 16 promises to be thrilling. See you this Tuesday evening for a kick-off which will be given at 8 p.m.
Fabien Simondet on the Béziers bench
In charge during Béziers training at the start of the year, and on the bench during the championship match in Nantes last Saturday, Fabien Simondet should again replace Frédéric Havas this Tuesday evening in the Coupe de France. After managing the Angels for five seasons, Simondet, in charge of training since this summer, has returned to service with the first team.
If, for the moment, no official announcement or comment has been made, neither by the contract coach, Frédéric Havas, nor by the management of the club, the collaboration between the latter and Béziers-Volley should end.
France
