Aymeric Minne (Photo FFHandball / Iconsports)
The French team begins its preparation for the World Cup in Strasbourg with a victory against the Czech Republic 37-28. If the opponent of the evening resisted for 15 minutes, then the match was one-sided.
Find the reactions of coach Guillaume Gille, and his players, before facing Portugal on Friday.
Aymeric Minne remains confident for the future despite the few failures of the evening: “We were pretty good, well in place defensively in the first, everything then fell into place. We came across a good goalkeeper in second, I didn’t really know him but he gave us some great saves from six meters out. Don’t worry too much, we found solutions, but it’s a bit of a shame. Among people from Nantes, it’s easier to find solutions, we were able to put Romain in the mold as well… He’s a real strength.”
“Personally, I feel great, I try to raise the balls, to bring percussion. My start to the season gives me confidence, I am more and more comfortable, especially since this are players with whom I played, who are of my generation. When you are a center half, you need a little time to get used to things and I think I am starting to find my rhythm with the Blues. “
Guillaume Gille discusses this first match, the goalkeeping puzzle and the upcoming deadlines: “There is food and drink in this meeting. We really dominated the proceedings in the first half, with a quality of play that was interesting. The second act was much more mixed, even if we can explain it by the numerous rotations made. Our efficiency was a little mediocre and defensively we let the Czechs play a little more. But competition is performance, it’s our efficiency and when we see the number of situations we don’t exploit, that’s what makes us a little angry. That’s what gives this somewhat mixed feeling.”
“The difficulty will increase in two days with Portugal, and that’s perfect.”, Guillaume Gille
“The three goalkeepers have already competed together, at EURO 2024, and in many different configurations. That’s not why we gave them the same playing time, just that we wanted to test them. Tonight, this sector did not perform well, let’s be honest, and we still need to improve. There is no great competition without a great goalkeeper, but I have every confidence in this triplet”
Dika Mem recounts his return and the rhythm to be found again: “It’s a victory for the team but for me too, it wasn’t expected that I would come back so quickly. I worked a lot in agreement with the club and the French team. I felt good, I’m a little tired, I’m a little lacking in rhythm but there’s still a little time before the competition and I’m sure I’ll continue to gain momentum, already on Friday for the second preparation match . “
“I have the impression that collectively, we are on the right path, even if there are still lots of things to work on. In the way of training and playing, everyone has a smile and that is the most important thing before a competition.”
Thibaud Briet talks about his relationship with his club teammates: “The little Nantes house is growing! We have a real connection between Nantes people, especially with Julien and Aymeric. We all have the same game, we are malleable, we are all capable of adapting to the players around us. We play in a club together, so we have automatisms, it’s a strength.”
“We are working to be ready for the World Cup and I have the impression that so far, we are on the right road. The goal is to make money by putting the automation in place but overall, I think we are good.”
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