The pivot of the Azzurri succeeds Luka Karabatic, who wants to give up command in view of the 2028 Olympics.
Cuff change to blue. Ludovic Fabregas was elected the new captain of the French national handball team on Monday, replacing Luka Karabatic, who wanted to give up his place because he couldn’t “project” until the 2028 Olympic Games.
«I talked about it with +Gino+ (coach Guillaume Gille, ed.) some time ago. It was a wish on my part: the French team enters a new four-year cycle, and four years is a long time, I can’t project myself that far, I think it’s right to “anticipate”“Luka Kabaratic told the press on Monday. The youngest of the Karabatic brothers, 36 years old (162 sel.), gives the armband to Fabregas (28 years, 149 sel.) after the failure of the Olympics, where the Azzurri were eliminated in the quarter-finals and where he himself was below its usual level.
«It seemed completely unlikely or unrealistic to him to imagine that it could be part of the duration of this cycle that takes us to Los Angeles (2028 Olympic Games) and the 2029 World Cup (which France will organize with Germany, ed.). There was a desire for the band to pass, which opened an electoral moment: the players elected their captain», explained Gille, coach of the Blues, who gathered on Monday at the Maison du handball in Créteil (Val-de-Marne) for the first time since the Olympics.
“A real occasion and source of pride” for Fabregas
They will face Sweden on Wednesday in Orléans and then Norway on Saturday in Stavanger as part of the 2026 EHF Euro Cup.
Gille noted that “it was jointly that this decision (had fallen)». «(It comes) both from Luka’s initiative and from the +process+ that has been ours for several seasons: often at the beginning of the season there is a sort of vote of confidence to know if the representatives are still the right ones», Developed the coach.
Fabregas, a key player in defense like Luka Karabatic but also a player in attack, received”with great pleasure the cuff». «It is a real occasion and pride, I hope to carry out this mission to the best of my ability. The task is not necessarily simple, the responsibility is all the more important given the situation we find ourselves in. It is a very exciting challenge from a personal and collective point of view.», added the player from Veszprem (Hungary), Olympic (2021), world (2017) and European (2024) champion.
“I know that the French team and the captaincy are in good hands”said Luka Karabatic, captain from autumn 2022, succeeding Valentin Porte who had decided to focus exclusively on his role as a player. Porte retired from international football this summer as Nikola Karabatic and Vincent Gérard ended their careers.
«I got older at the beginning of this new training path, many emblematic players stopped. My role has evolved a bit, I have a slightly older role that can stand on its own.», Explained Luka Karabatic.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Handball Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone, to today’s exciting segment! We’re thrilled to have with us handball expert Dr. Marie Dupont, who will help us unpack the recent leadership change in the French national handball team. Marie, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Marie Dupont: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss this pivotal moment for the Azzurri.
Editor: Let’s jump right in. Luka Karabatic stepping down as captain really marks a significant transition for the team. What do you make of his decision, especially considering the upcoming 2028 Olympics?
Dr. Dupont: Luka’s decision reflects a thoughtful and strategic mindset. He mentioned he couldn’t “project” himself into the long-term future, and I think that acknowledges a broader trend in professional sports where leaders prioritize the team’s evolution. By stepping aside, he’s setting a precedent for the next generation, allowing them to grow under a new captain.
Editor: That’s a great point. And now, Ludovic Fabregas has stepped into the captaincy role at just 28 years old. What does this mean for the team’s dynamics moving forward?
Dr. Dupont: Fabregas is in a unique position. At 28, he represents the blend of youth and experience. His previous performances show that he embraces challenges, and he will bring fresh energy to the team. The players elected him, which indicates they trust his leadership during this new four-year cycle leading up to the Olympics.
Editor: Speaking of the team dynamics, there was a significant disappointment in the last Olympics. How might that influence Fabregas’s leadership?
Dr. Dupont: The team faced significant pressure after the quarter-finals exit, and it’s essential for Fabregas to address those feelings of disappointment. As captain, he can instill a sense of resilience and purpose. It’s an opportunity for him to galvanize the team around their shared goals, using past setbacks as motivation for future success.
Editor: Absolutely! Coach Guillaume Gille mentioned this decision opens an “electoral moment.” How important is it for players to feel they have a voice in their leadership?
Dr. Dupont: Very important! This democratic approach fosters a sense of ownership among players. It’s crucial for team cohesion and morale. When players feel invested in their captaincy choice, it can lead to improved communication and collaboration on the field, which is invaluable when preparing for competitions like the Euro Cup and the next Olympics.
Editor: Fabregas and the team are set to face Sweden and Norway soon. What should we expect from these upcoming matches?
Dr. Dupont: These matches are critical as they will serve as the first test of Fabregas’s leadership. Facing strong teams like Sweden and Norway will challenge them, but it’s also an excellent opportunity to build teamwork under the new captain. It’ll be fascinating to see how they adapt and respond during these high-stakes games.
Editor: Marie, thank you for such insightful commentary! As we witness this exciting new chapter for the French national handball team, your expertise truly sheds light on the significance of this transition.
Dr. Dupont: Thank you! I’m excited to see how Fabregas and the team will evolve in this new cycle. It’s always a joy to discuss the dynamics of sports leadership!
Editor: And that’s a wrap for today! Thank you, everyone, for tuning in. We’ll keep you updated on the team’s progress and developments in this exciting journey ahead!