The 22-year-old receiver-attacker (right-handed, 1.98 m), whose father Marc Schalk played in Narbonne from 2010 to 2012, signed a contract which runs until the end of the season in Aude. He comes to strengthen a team in difficulty, penultimate in the championship. Discussions with the young French player and his new coach Rafael Redwitz.
Rafael, tell us about Matteo Schalk…
Rafael Redwitz: I know Matteo since I trained him for a year in Nice in 2022-2023. Together, we reached the final of the Coupe de France (Editor’s note, 3-0 defeat against Tours). At the time, for him, it was a new beginning, he was returning from Laval Rouge et Or University in Canada after a back injury. It went really well. Since then I have always followed Matteo's evolution. And even last summer, his name was circulating in Narbonne. Finally, he signed for Nantes-Rezé.
And Nantes-Rezé went bankrupt and Matteo Schalk had to find a new base…
Matteo Schalk: I chose the Grottazzolina club which had just moved up to the Italian League A. It was clearly agreed that I would not have any playing time. I was going there to progress in training because the Italian championship is renowned for that. Ultimately, I will have wasted my time there. The training sessions were not at the level I expected. Hence my arrival in Narbonne.
In Italy I wasted my time
Did your father Marc Schalk, a receiver-attacker like you, who played at Narbonne from 2010 to 2012, play a role in your arrival at Narbonne?
No way. I decide the direction of my career.
You haven't looked at it at all?
Yes of course. My father is my first agent. I mean it's not because he played here that I'm signing for Narbonne.
Any memories of those two years when your father played in Aude, at the time at the Palais du Travail?
I was 8 years old when my father signed here. So, I don't have too many memories. I remember playing ball in the corridors of the Palace during my father's matches…
Did you play Narbonne Volley yourself at the time?
No way. I played basketball in Narbonne. Before that, I had played football, when I was little, then handball… I started playing Volleyball when I was 11 years old in Cannes.
During my father's matches, I played ball in the corridors of the Palais du Travail
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At the Schalk house, we all play volleyball, right?
That's it. My mother (Editor’s note, Virginie Schalk also played) also played at a high level, my sister Maéva plays at Volero Le Cannet in the Women's A League (Saforelle Power 6). My two uncles too. And I have a little cousin, Ethan, who was a youth basketball world champion with France. He plays in Hawaii.
Which player are you?
It's difficult to describe yourself. My first quality I think is the reception. In service, I can have a good impact.
Rafael, Matteo is a young player. In which sectors should it progress?
Rafael Redwitz: First in the regularity of its performances. He can be even stronger in attack and more creative.
If Nantes-Rezé had recruited Matteo eight months ago, a time when the club was very ambitious, before finally disappearing, it is because he is a player with great potential…
Rafael Redwitz: I hope (smile).
Is he intended to start the match in Cannes (this Saturday at 7 p.m.)?
We keep all the players energized until a few minutes before the match. Whatever happens, Matteo will have his chance.
Matteo, have you watched Narbonne matches on video?
Matteo Schalk: I watched a few matches. This team can play well as well as thwart, often at the end of the set in decisive moments. In any case, 13th place (Editor's note, the penultimate) is not his place. His place is not at the bottom of the ranking.
Rafael, what do you think?
Rafael Redwitz: I think he's right and I like that he thinks so. It will bring new blood, extra soul, voluntarism, energy.
