Victorious 20-8 against Malta, the French national water polo team perfectly handled their first leg of the Euro 2014 qualifier. Before the return match on March 1, the French team is in training camp at the Nice pool. An opportunity to talk with the coach Florian Bruzzo.
You approached the first leg well. Are you satisfied?
Yes, there is satisfaction. It’s never an easy match. We have failed in our qualifying rounds several times, and after a mixed first half, we managed well. And it remains very positive.
With this big win, maybe you will avoid a tricky match.
No, it’s still a tricky match. First, because of the schedule. We will play at 12:30 PM whereas we are used to playing at 8 PM. Then, due to the conditions. We will play in an outdoor pool and the conditions will be really different. It’s not ideal. It’s still a very tough away game and no relaxation will be allowed.
How is the team feeling after this victory?
The team is doing well. This kind of training camp strengthens an already cohesive group. Sometimes it’s a bit long to live together all the time, but the players are from the same generation, and that’s important for working together. There are strengths, weaknesses, and players from six different clubs. We all have to do the same thing and pull in the same direction.
The players’ physical condition?
There are always little injuries, a bruised forehead, a finger, a thumb, but nothing too serious.
You are almost at the Euro. What will be the objective?
We are not at the Euro yet, even though we are in a good position to qualify. If we do qualify, we will show as much ambition as possible. We will play each match to win. We are aware of our strengths and weaknesses.
With five players, Nice is well represented.
They are good players, that’s why they are here (smile). They are young and have the chance to work in a good club with good facilities. They are well placed in the championship, and we have very good relations with the club. All of this is very positive.
To speak about water polo in general, what is the state of this sport in France?
We would certainly like to be a little more recognized, to have more media coverage. But for that, we need good results. The last European Championship was in 2001 and before that in 1991. There is this irregularity… After all, you can’t blame people for not being interested. It’s up to us to shine.
