Montpellier Mediterranee Futsal is once again at the highest French level in this increasingly popular sport. On Saturday, the team, rejuvenated in the off-season with the arrival of 7 recruits, hosts Toulouse for a match not to be lost. Presentation of training that has a future.
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General bursts of laughter, there is really a good atmosphere this season at Montpellier Futsal!
And there are good reasons for this. “The team is very friendly and everyone is very nice”, rejoices Jonathan Ruas, Brazilian, from Montpellier Méditerranée Futsal.
That’s understandable. The Montpellier team is the youngest in the Division 1 championship with an average age of 23.
If the squad lacks experience, the group is very united. The Montpellier side, promoted this season, are currently 8th in the standings thanks to numerous draws. “We have an excellent defense, we defend very, very well. It’s hard to finish, but it will happen with experience. The work will succeed in shaking the nets“, assures Yanis Erraddaf, international hopefuls, aged 20.
New this year is the completely renovated Palais des Sports Pierre de Coubertin. It is now the temple of futsal in Montpellier, near the Paillade district. “The main objective is to ensure maintenance for this year. There are also other objectives, such as the installation here at the Palais des Sports in order to get the Montpellier public used to coming here“, confides Hamza Aarab, coordinator of Montpellier Méditerranée Futsal.
“Futsal in France is a bit complicated and we see that every year it gets better and better. That the City grants us a magnificent room like this is a great sign of recognition.“, confirms Aymen Ben Salah, leader of Montpellier Méditerranée Futsal.
Gone are the days when futsal was only played in gymnasiums near the Petit Bard district. The club, with a budget of 300,000 euros, is now almost professional.
Of the 16 players, only three have a job on the side.
“We are getting closer to professionalism, we are trying to put all the chances on our side, because high-level sport requires a lot of details to be corrected. But it’s a professional team that trains every day and 7 times a week“, explains Mohammed Nezlioui, coach of Montpellier Méditerranée Futsal.
“Pro” like this video session to prepare for the arrival of Toulouse on Saturday evening. Defeat prohibited for the Occitanie derby.
1,200 spectators are expected in the new Coubertin bays.
Written with Denis Clerc.
