Two days before the start of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, France does not want to think about possible disillusion. If the Blues know the quality of their opponents, they are determined to get their ticket to Tokyo this summer.
Do not speak to the oldest of the Blues of a possible elimination from the race at the Olympic Games and therefore of a premature end of career in the France team. Faced with questions at a press conference organized this Wednesday, by videoconference, Luc Abalo had this response in the form of a joke: “That’s why I don’t like questions from journalists (laughs). Because me, I do not ask myself in this sense. “
With these words, the 36-year-old right-winger confirms it: the France team is on a commando mission. In a particularly tough group, the Blues will have their work cut out for them. Starting with Croatia, Friday at 9 p.m. behind closed doors at the Arena in Montpellier, for a world handball classic between two teams lacking confidence even if Guillaume Gille’s men were reassured during the last world by reaching the semi-finals. -finals. A meeting that brings back memories to Michaël Guigou of a TQO in France in 2008. “The context is different because, at the time, we were above the rest. There was an audience and we were in a dynamic of domination. During these three days, it will be war. “
For war, the Blues are preparing for it. Since the Portuguese will then be waiting for them recently affected by the tragic death of their goalkeeper Alfredo Quintana. “All the teams will be in commando operation, continues Captain Guigou. We had little time to prepare. The priority was to recover well to arrive in an optimal state of freshness. This is what we lacked at the end of the last world to pass the semifinals. “
If France has the home advantage, it will not be able to benefit from the enthusiasm of the Montpellier public. The Blues will therefore have to show an irreproachable state of mind. “We’re going to play all the balls like it’s the most important thing, explain Luc Abalo. We must not give our opponents a chance to facilitate the three days of competition. The concentration in defense will be decisive. “
The French led by Guigou and Abalo know what to expect, are clear about their current level, but are focused on a single aspect: qualifying for the Olympic Games in Tokyo. And nothing else.
Loïc Feltrin
Crédit photo : Pixsell / Icon Sport
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