French volleyball is shining this summer and it is not over. EuroVolley revelation, which is currently being played, the French women’s team never ceases to amaze. After a victory (3-2) against Croatia on Sunday night, the Blues fly to the quarter-finals of the Euro they will play tonight, at 8 p.m. against Serbia. Long almost forgotten, stagnant in the depths of world volleyball, what is the recipe for their unexpected success, which has not ceased to amaze?
A new coach and mental work
Since the arrival of Belgian coach Émile Rousseaux in 2018, physical but also mental work has begun for the players of the France team. “He made us understand a lot of things in volleyball that we wanted to do, despite the fact that physically we are not up to the level of the other teams. It started with him, he made us believe in ourselves ”, remembers the sharp Lucille Gicquel.
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This mental progression is felt on the ground during the Euro, especially in complicated phases of play or money-time. “We see that we are capable of not letting go, even in difficult times. We played Russia and Serbia in the first matches, it wasn’t easy, but we did some great things ”, says Lucille Gicquel. It is moreover this team which pointed where nobody expected it, supported by the Net surfers. A recognition that does not leave French volleyball players indifferent.
Motivation for the Games
If the players did not qualify for the Tokyo Games this summer, this revelation at the Euro only fuels their Olympic dream. The victory of Team “Yavbou”, which won gold against Russia in early August, has ” boosted “ the French women’s team. Émile Rousseaux’s players remain focused for the Euro, but keep in mind what will become their next goal: Paris 2024.
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