In 99 days, he was unanimous in the Alterna Stade Poitevin locker room. Well, it must be said that with the status of double Olympic champion and star of the discipline, Earvin Ngapeth arrived in Vienna on conquered territory. But between facing the solid 33-year-old receiver-attacker and being around him every day, the difference is major.
“Just with this attitude he managed to show me the way”
And here again, the international tricolor made everyone agree. His teammates fell under the spell, like the best libero in the championship last season with Nantes-Rezé Franco Massimino. “I faced him a lot of times with Argentina. Playing with him in the same jersey was a huge pleasure. Our bond is incredible. I will keep great memories. »
Quite a symbol. On this reception, Earvin Ngapeth is alongside Franco Massimino. The two volleyball players displayed a great bond for three months.
© (Photo cor. NR-CP, Alain Biais)
European champion with the French U22 team this summer, Simon Magnin also enjoyed this enchanted three-month break. And was able to observe the immense qualities of his illustrious elder. Him, the sometimes volcanic central one. “Earvin is calm. He rarely gets angry. Just with this attitude, he managed to show me the way on the energy and behavior to adopt on the field. It helped me a lot. »
“It was a beautiful gift”
A player “exceptional” for the former Nantes-Rezé also acclaimed by coach Dan Lewis. “It was a great gift for the team, the staff and myself. He has always been at full strength in training. This is an example to follow. »
Big heads were distributed to spectators. Here, that of Earvin Ngapeth.
© (Photo cor. NR-CP, Mickaël Pichon)
Orphaned by its best player and its technical leader, Alterna Stade Poitevin will have to reinvent itself and do without him. As since the departure of his sharp Dusan Nikolic who went to South Korea. “There are a lot of people waiting to playrecognizes Dan Lewis, even if Tim Peter returned to Germany. They have the opportunity to show what they can do. »
How to do without Earvin Ngapeth?
Like the promise of French volleyball player Thomas Pujol, author of the victorious point against Tours in a breathtaking tie-break at the Futuroscope Arena. “The little brother of the gang who is a great player and works a lot”according to the double Olympic champion. Or the Croatian Tino Hanzic, who has been very discreet until now.
One of the two – or a future recruit? – will accompany Thibaut Thoral in this position of receiver-attacker.
Can the star's departure to Turkey and Fenerbahçe free his partners? Or will the void be too big to fill? “I took up a lot of space for three monthsreplies the main person concerned. I see it in training, there is a lot of talent in this team. Young people need to assert themselves and take more responsibility. » Response in the coming weeks.
