Carlos Olsina: “In Istres, I will be in a luxury cartel”

Why an alternative to Istres rather than in your arenas?

Béziers was obviously the perfect place for my doctorate but the Feria is late, almost at the end of the French season. However, the ambition is to triumph for my alternative and open doors for me. The calendar of Istres, in June, was more suitable especially as I will be in a luxury cartel with Manzanares and Ureña facing the toros of Jandilla. But my presentation in Béziers, in August, will be like an alternative. My confirmation of heart.

Indeed, the cartel is most attractive…

Manzanares is an example for all novilleros who aspire to become a toreo figure. He is a maestro whom I have always admired and I dreamed of toreating alongside him. I also have the greatest respect for Paco Ureña. For his career, his ability to wrestle and his concept of the very pure toreo close to mine. I’m very lucky to take the alternative with two such great bullfighters.

Becoming the 4th matador of Biterrois toros is a source of pride?

It is a pleasure and a responsibility to wear the colors of my city in France and Spain. This proves that aficion is still alive and very strong in Béziers. Indeed, it is a source of pride to become the 4th French Biterrois matador in history and the 71st Frenchman.

You live near Seville in Gerena. How will your preparation go?

I hope to make a novillada in an important arena before the alternative. Obviously, I would like to return to Madrid as a novillero after having made two vueltas and approached the front door for my presentation in the largest plaza in the world. I was announced there at the beginning of 2019 but the pandemic caused the cancellation. It would be an opportunity to demonstrate the bullfighter I want to become before my alternative.

Then, I will carry out a traditional preparation with more intensity and a lot of tenants and toros in private at the campo in Spain but also in France since I am now supported by the former Nîmes bullfighter Swan Soto. I will be ready to take up this challenge of moving from novillero to bullfighter.

The aftermath of the alternative is always difficult: adaptation to bullfighting, lack of contracts…

Currently, it is very difficult to clear a path and find paseos for new matadors. I’m programmed for. I have already experienced it for my debut in novillada piqué with only one contract in my pocket. It seemed impossible but I snatched contract after contract, triumphing at every opportunity.

I am aware of the difficulties. It will be a daily struggle. But in bullfighting, everything can change very quickly. I have the ambition to triumph and the contracts will arrive.