“He is a smart, young, and left-handed player. He defends very well, attacks perfectly. Xavier is a simple and introverted person; if we all work together, he can achieve something good,” and “He is the future. He is the player we are missing, a left-handed back. He has a lot of ambition, he is complete, and even though he has a lot to learn, we will help him enter the international elite.” These two compliments are from two of the world’s best players, Nikola Karabatic and Jérôme Fernandez. We met them last week during the reception at the Maison de la Radio for the Sportsperson of the Year award ceremony, where the French Olympic champion handball team was chosen by Radio France listeners.
These arguments forge an impression and set the scene for the qualities that young Xavier from Nice might possess. Xavier Barachet plays in Chambéry, and is participating in his first major competition with the French Team. He acknowledges that this team made him dream six months ago during the Olympic Games, and he is thrilled to be part of this group today. “I am being given my chance. It’s a great satisfaction. The players have made me feel comfortable. It is going really well. They are the best in their positions, but they do not treat me like the little kid. They have helped me and given me confidence. I really feel good in this team.”
At just twenty years old, the newest member of Les Bleus does not second-guess himself. He is simply happy to be there. And to play with those he has long admired. “For every handball player, the goal is the French Team. Today, the dream has become reality,” he says, his eyes sparkling. Xavier Barachet is from Nice. And proud of it. Trained at Cavigal, he has gone through all the grades in the club of which his father is the president. He believes he spent his most beautiful years on the Côte d’Azur, notably the climb from Nationale 2 to Nationale 1 four years ago. Now in Chambéry, he has not forgotten his first supporters. “I think first and foremost about my parents. They have always helped me and never held me back in my choices, even when I left at 17. I owe them a lot, and I thank them.”
After the first five matches of the World Championships, Xavier has not yet had the opportunity to showcase his talent but that will soon change as explained by the coach, Claude Onesta: “He is here to learn. He may be called upon, but we don’t want to put too much pressure on him. It’s a medium to long-term investment. He needs to prepare without too much undue pressure.” Proof of the hopes that the coach places in his player, he was included in the list of 14 who played against Hungary last night in the final match of the first round. But even if he does not play, the young man from Nice already feels satisfied to be among the greatest: “Personally, it’s satisfying to be here. A result would just be a bonus. On the other hand, it would be a disappointment for the team. People expect something.”
There is no doubt that the former sports studies prospect from Parc Impérial will soon experience the joys of being selected for an official match. His goal is to stay in the group and progress as much as possible to contribute as much as he can. In the meantime, he can count on the support of his friends, who do not hesitate to tease him on the Facebook site with groups like “Fan of Xavier Barachet” or “For Xavier Barachet to blow off Ivano Balic” (Ivano Balic is the star of the Croatian team, host of these world championships, Editor’s note). When we say he already has everything of a great player, he has his own supporters…
