Examining the reasons behind France's defeat in the World Volleyball Championship.
French Volleyball Team Coached Out Early in World Cup
The French volleyball team, known as the Blues, faced an early exit from the World Cup, marking their first round elimination since 1982. The team struggled to find their footing in the pool phase, with a disappointing performance that was their worst since the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016.
Coach Andrea Giani admitted his share of responsibility for the team's lackluster performance against Finland, where they suffered a shocking defeat in the tie-break (3-2), despite Argentina scoring two fewer points overall. Giani also acknowledged that he made necessary changes too late and wasted challenges early during the second set against Finland.
The team's struggles may have been due to emotional pressure and a focus on pleasing the veterans. Key players such as Earvin Ngapeth and Benjamin Toniutti, who have been instrumental in the team's success, seemed weaker than usual. Ngapeth, in particular, had been dealing with a tendonopathy in his right knee during the summer, which affected his performance. Another key player, Nicolas Le Goff, was unable to face Finland due to a resurgence of an old abdominal injury.
The team's captain, Theo Faure, admitted that the team tensed up as soon as they missed an action and couldn't maintain a positive dynamic. Antoine Brizard, another key player, seemed annoyed, nervous at times, and inconsolable after the elimination. Trevor Clevenot, the on-court setter, was also absent due to an issue with his right knee.
Despite the early exit, Giani defended his staff's work and his record, stating that they have won three titles since he took the team. He also intends to honor his contract, which runs until 2028, although he is not the coach of the French volleyball team for this World Championship; he was the coach of the German men's national volleyball team until 2022.
Joris Seddik is recovering, and Kevin Tillie is unavailable, affecting the team's selection. The team had to leave their hotel in Makati, Greater Manila, for accommodation closer to the Mall of Asia, the venue for the final phase of the World Cup. After their elimination, the team's rooms were taken by others.
Benjamin Toniutti, a key player, may have been playing his last match in blue. The team's future will be under scrutiny as they look to regroup and prepare for future tournaments.
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