For Jean-Aimé Toupane, things are clear: “I was called for that, it is the will of the staff, the players and the Federation [FFBB] », insisted the coach of the French women’s basketball team, at a press conference. In Slovenia, during the Euro which they begin on Thursday June 15 (8:45 p.m.) against Germany, its troops will be on a mission.
The technician landed at the head of the Blues in the fall of 2021 and his players aspire to win the third continental title in the history of women’s tricolor basketball, ten years after the European coronation of Tony Parker’s men’s team, in the same city of Ljubljana. And, above all, put an end to five consecutive European finals completed in the same way: a defeat, twice against Serbia (2015, 2021) and three times against Spain (2013, 2017, 2019).
“We are not going to say that we are coming to finish 3e4e or 5e », said the coach at the start of preparation, in remarks reported by the France-Presse agency. For him, any result other than a title “would be a failure”. And warn: “I will not be afraid to assume the consequences behind it. If tomorrow I have to leave, I will leave. » Thirsty for gold, the Blues received the message five out of five: “We have a double objective: to prepare for the Games and to win this gold medal”, insisted the rear Sarah Michel, in a press conference, quoted by Basketball Europe.
The title in sight
The recent results of Sandrine Gruda’s partners illustrate their ambitions. Since their elimination against China in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup, the French have not tasted defeat. After easily qualifying for Euro 2023 (4 wins), they then did not lose a single preparation match (5 wins).
“It’s an extremely determined team, who can’t wait to get things started. The team is hungry and wants to fightsummarizes, from Ljubljana, Mary Patrux, journalist at BeIN Sports, who will comment on the entire competition. This status of favorite does not bring them pressure and can even transcend them. The ambition is clear, it’s gold! »
If the French affirm their serenity, the path of the title does not promise to be paved with ease. The Serbs, outgoing champions, the Spaniards or the Belgians are shaping up to be tough opponents, and all the nations are sharpening their weapons. Especially since this edition of the Euro will issue five tickets for the Olympic qualifying tournament – host nation, France is already guaranteed to see Paris 2024.
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