2023-06-20 22:29:37
Two months from now, on August 20, Sydney’s Stadium Australia and its 82,500 spectators will see the final of the Women’s Football World Cup take place. With the France team? The dream of Hervé Renard and his group began this Tuesday near Clairefontaine, where 26 players took possession of the premises to begin preparation. “They all look in great shape, a little tanned, smiles the coach of the Blue. They were able to escape a little. It’s a chance to have been able to rest. Now we are entering a working environment. »
A return to school on June 20 is not trivial. But Fifa has chosen and assumes the dates of its World Cup in the antipodes (July 20-August 20). And unlike the men who end the seasons with major competitions (except for Qatar in December), the French start the next one with this objective. “The preparation will be long, recalls Hervé Renard, appointed at the end of March. This will be the key element of a good competition. The period is crucial for living well together, creating the necessary cohesion. Without a remarkable state of mind, nothing will be achieved. »
Hervé Renard, coach of Les Bleues, this Tuesday, June 20 in Clairefontaine for the start of the preparation of the France team. Photo AFP/Franck Fife AFP or licensors
For this, the coach and his staff want “to vary, not to fall into a routine which would become negative”. Two phases to plan for Les Bleues: the first between this Tuesday and July 8, at Clairefontaine with two 48-hour breaks at the end of each week. “It is necessary to lift the valve from time to time, explains Hervé Renard, who will experience his third World Cup as a technician. We hope to be together for two months. It’s long. You have to know how to manage the periods. »
“The role of the villain will be mine”
The end of this first phase will take place in Ireland with a friendly match in Dublin (July 6). And Saturday July 8 will be the day of the big departure for the southern hemisphere, direction Melbourne, place of the last preparation match (July 14) against the Australian host. The second phase may begin with… adaptation to jet lag. “We will be followed by a sleep specialist, specifies Hervé Renard. It will have to be done quickly. Sleep well, recover well… We do not neglect any point. »
The trip to Australia will also mark the end of the adventure for three players. A goalkeeper for sure and two outfield players. “I have an idea which is not yet precise, assures Hervé Renard. Otherwise the training would not be of much use (smile). It will be necessary to balance the positions. The most important point will be group life and collective balance. The ground, of course, but the slightest grain of sand can disturb the whole balance. The role of the villain will be mine, to eliminate three players among the 26.
The great return of Amandine Henry to Clairefontaine. Photo LP/Arnaud Journois Arnaud Journois
Barring a relapse or new injury, Kadidiatou Diani, star of the Blues who suffered a fractured right collarbone on March 30, will be among the 23. “She is fine, assures the former coach of Saudi Arabia. Everything has been implemented in such a way that his recovery is done slowly but surely. I’m sure she’ll regain her athletic ability quickly. We will need her. The lights are green. “The same goes for Amandine Henry, back in the France team after two and a half years of absence.
“I welcomed him,” teases Hervé Renard. The new midfielder of Angel City FC (United States) will “find a management role”, he continues while warning that she will have to “demonstrate her qualities and what she can bring to the group”. Henry, injured then at odds with OL, has not played a minute since early March. His reintegration into Les Bleues is one of Hervé Renard’s many challenges in this preparation.
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