“Everyone is ready to fight and makes a big effort”said on Saturday in Tignes (Savoie) the coach of the French handball team, Guillaume Gille, referring to the first gathering of the Blues with a view to the Paris Games as “a basic element”.
“The recovery times were very different depending on the end of each season. The few rest days have done a lot of good, and there is a need to individualize the work. What I have seen over the past three days makes me believe that everyone is ready to fight and is putting in a lot of effort. This is the basis for a successful start to the preparation”declared Gille during a press briefing.
Preparation from 20 June to 4 July
The Blues, with a group of 21 players – including former Nikola Karabatic and Vincent Gérard – have gathered in the Savoyard resort, at an altitude of 2,100 meters, since June 20 until July 4.
On Saturday morning, the players completed the last 11 kilometers of the ascent of the Col de l’Iseran by mountain bike, a prelude to a course where a large physical block is on the program. The afternoon saw a first training session on the pitch, in front of almost 500 spectators from Savoyard clubs, before a signing session.
“Historically, the French teams prepared at a lower altitude at La Toussuire (1750m). The memories I have of these moments are that they are often quite foundational because they challenge organizations with a somewhat unique amount of work that allows us to bring out the best in everyone.”added the 47-year-old coach.
“This preparation at altitude adds a level of difficulty and limitation that I hope will allow us to present ourselves in our best light”stressed Guillaume Gille estimated his “players in good form”. Before July 8, he must establish a list of fourteen players and three reserves to meet the requirements of the IOC and again seek Olympic gold after the EC won in January.
“We based ourselves on a very stable workforce. The Euro was a successful experience which allowed us to gather new lessons and build confidence. This is an important element, but not essential. If I was confident about the team today, I might have chosen, as other nations have done, to bring a somewhat closed group. The cards will not be dealt and must be won during these fifteen days”he warned.
Also read. Olympics 2024 – Handball. Guillaume Gille calls 21 players for preparation
The handball event at the Paris Games takes place from July 25 to August 11 between Paris and Lille. The Blues must thus defend the title that was acquired three years ago in Tokyo.
