Ange Ferracci has been the president of OGC Nice Handball for almost a month. The club experienced a turbulent start to the off-season before witnessing the senior team’s final retention in the LFH (French Women’s Handball League). Now leading a stable organization, Ange Ferracci aims to keep a cool head.
You have been the president of OGC Nice Handball for three weeks. What is your plan for the club?
Ange Ferracci: “Obviously, we will continue the development of the club’s sports structure, through training and pre-training. The first team will receive particular support. We will place great importance on infrastructures and equipment, which are essential for this development.”
The Control Commission confirmed on June 23 the senior team’s admission to the LFH. Were you afraid that another decision might be made?
A. F.: “We addressed each of their questions on sporting, administrative, or financial aspects. They acknowledged it. When there is a decision that involves a panel, especially economically, it can cause some anxiety. But we were very calm on this point.”
What are the goals for OGC Nice Handball this season, now that the women have secured their place in the LFH?
A. F.: “Firstly, we know we will have a lot to prove. We will be guided by reason. This is a professional First Division. Our club has no history at this level. […] We will be both attentive, in the studious sense, and observant with the appropriate caution, yet never without ambition. (He concludes with a perfect imitation of Guy Roux.) So, I would say we aim to maintain our position, but I wouldn’t mind flirting with the top of the table.”
What significant recruitment have you made?
A. F: “We welcome a renowned coach in the person of Sébastien Gardillou [Editor’s note: former video assistant to Olivier Krumbholz, coach of the French women’s national team]. He knows high-level play perfectly, the First Division, and especially the LFH.”
What does your club lack to reach the media stature of the namesake football club that steals the spotlight?
A. F: “It’s sports. It’s all about results, consistency…”
How do you explain the under-representation of handball in the media when national teams are repeatedly successful?
A. F: (irritated, his tone hardens a bit.) “Shouldn’t it be up to you to support us leaders? As you say, the results and performance levels deserve some curiosity. Handball deserves to gain more viewers and provide a good image to the general public. Handball is a magnificent discipline.”
