Before starting the European Championship in Hungary on January 13, the Blues reigning Olympic champions will finally play a preparation match next Sunday against Germany. The match will take place in Wetzlar north of Frankfurt at 7 p.m. It should take place behind closed doors. “During this very difficult period impacted by the Covid-19, it is appreciable to be able to get along with good friends,” rejoices Philippe Bana, the president of the French federation. The link between France and Germany remains the strongest in Europe. “
This week, the Blues should have played twice in a friendly against Egypt in Créteil. But the nation declined the invitation because of the Covid-19: “Since the withdrawal of Egypt, we are fully mobilized to allow the France team to play a match before the Euro, resumes the president of the FFHB. Our team will benefit from a private flight to Frankfurt and then a privatized hotel to protect the group as much as possible from the risk of contagion to Covid-19. “
From Monday morning, the Blues will take a plane back to Hungary without passing through France to avoid as much contact as possible.
Vincent Gérard should find the group
For coach Guillaume Gille, this match is a sigh of relief. Its players will have a meeting in the legs before starting the competition: “The preparation was very disturbed and it seemed essential to me to be able to evaluate oneself, a few hours of a great competition and a duel at the top against the Croatia, says the coach. The match against Germany will allow us to situate ourselves and also offer playing time to the players, especially the youngest. It was therefore essential to benefit from this trial run. “
In Hungary, the Blues matches should be played in front of the public, and even full halls. The country has not taken a measurement or a closed session.
Regarding the workforce, there is good news in the midst of all the bad things that have affected the Blues since Christmas (Covid-19, Prandi affair…). Goalkeeper Vincent Gérard should return to the group: “Vincent Gérard is on the way back to the group,” Gille rejoices. He is currently doing specific work with his club to bring up his sliders and be able to join us, before leaving for Germany. It will constitute an additional alternative on the post of goalkeeper. “