French goalkeeper Cléopatre Darleux was not chosen by the new coach of the French women’s handball team Sébastien Gardillou in his list to prepare for the European Championships.
Goalkeeper Cléopâtre Darleux is absent from the group of 21 players selected on Tuesday by French handball team coach Sébastien Gardillou to prepare for the European Championships (November 28-December 15 in Switzerland, Austria and Hungary). The 2021 Olympic champion, 35, played one match at the Paris Olympics when she was called up as a reserve. At the end of September he signed for Metz for one season, probably the last of his career, showing good performances until then.
Gardillou, who replaced the iconic Olivier Krumbholz in September, retained four goalkeepers including Catherine Gabriel, called up for the first time since the 2021 Olympics when she was a reservist. The concierge from Debrecen (Hungary) was also preferred to Camille Sinceet and will accompany the trio made up of Laura Glauser, Hatadou Sako and Floriane André.
The Blues will face Spain in a friendly in Saint-Chamond (Loire) on November 22nd and Angola two days later, to prepare for the European Championship which will begin on November 28th in Basel against Poland. Gardillou will be able to bring a maximum of 20 players to the European Championships and will have to choose 16 of them for each scoresheet.
The group of 21 players selected:
Guardians: Floriane André (Brest), Catherine Gabriel (Debrecen/HUN), Laura Glauser (Ferencvaros/HUN), Hatadou Sako (Györ/HUN)
Left wing: Marine Dupuis (Nice), Coralie Lassource (Brest), Chloé Valentini (Metz)
Back left: Orlane Kanor (Ferencvaros/HUN), Clarisse Mairot (Brest), Estelle Nze Minko (cap, Györ/HUN)
Semicentres: Tamara Horacek (Ljubljana/SLO), Grace Zaadi Deuna Ljubljana/SLO)
Pivot: Sarah Bouktit (Metz), Pauletta Foppa (Brest), Oriane Ondono (Brest)
Right backs: Laura Flippes (Metz), Léna Grandveau (Metz), Déborah Lassource (Dortmund/GER)
Right wing: Pauline Coatanea (Brest), Lucie Granier (Metz), Alicia Toublanc (Valcea/ROM)
Interview between Time.news Editor and Handball Expert on Cléopatre Darleux’s Omission
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good day! Thank you for joining us today. With the recent announcement from Sébastien Gardillou on the French women’s handball team, there’s been quite a buzz surrounding Cléopatre Darleux’s omission from the squad. Can you give us an overview of what this means for both the player and the team?
Handball Expert (HE): Good day! It’s a pleasure to be here. Cléopatre Darleux’s exclusion from the 21-player squad comes as a shock for many fans and analysts, especially given her impressive track record, including her role in the 2021 Olympic Championship. By not selecting her, Gardillou is possibly aiming to inject fresh energy into the team or rely on different tactical strategies, but this also raises questions about the veterans’ place in the evolving team dynamics.
TNE: Darleux has been a significant figure in the sport and is known for her remarkable skills. How do you think her absence will impact the team’s performance as they prepare for the European Championships?
HE: Her experience as a 35-year-old Olympic champion is invaluable, particularly during high-stakes matches. While the other goalkeepers, like Catherine Gabriel, offer their strengths, Darleux’s unique ability to read the game and manage pressure cannot be easily replaced. The team might miss her composure, especially in crucial moments of high-pressure games. However, this could also serve as an opportunity for the younger players to step up and demonstrate their capabilities on such a significant platform.
TNE: Considering that Gardillou replaced longtime coach Olivier Krumbholz, do you think his decision reflects a shift in team strategy?
HE: Absolutely. Gardillou’s decision to go with a different set of goalkeepers denotes a potential paradigm shift in how he envisions the team’s structure moving forward. It’s common for new coaches to want to implement their style and preferred players. The retention of Gabriel, who had been out of selection since the Olympics, indicates a possible blend of experience along with a new era. It will be fascinating to see how he balances nurturing younger talent while maintaining competitive performance level.
TNE: Given that this season might be Darleux’s last, do you think she should consider continuing her career in another capacity, possibly as a mentor for the younger players?
HE: That’s certainly a possibility. With her rich experience, Darleux could transition into a mentorship role, helping to develop future talents in the sport. Many players find fulfillment in contributing in new ways after retirement from playing. Additionally, her vast insights into the game could be crucial for the team’s long-term success—especially in preparing for significant events like championships.
TNE: How do you see the French women’s team faring in the upcoming European Championships without Darleux in the lineup?
HE: While her absence is a blow, the team still has great potential. They possess a strong core of talented players and, if Gardillou can effectively unite the squad under his vision, the team will still be competitive. The dynamics of team chemistry and the goalkeepers’ adaptation to new strategies will be key to their performance in the championships. It’s going to be an intriguing tournament to watch!
TNE: Thank you for sharing your insights! It will indeed be interesting to see how everything unfolds for the French women’s handball team in the coming weeks.
HE: My pleasure! I’m looking forward to the games and seeing how the new team dynamic plays out.
