By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
France’s first defeat in the Paris Olympics left a bad taste in the hosts and has already created a controversy.
Speaking at a press conference hours after the result, as “L’Equipe” journalist Yann Ohnona reports, coach Vicent Collet said that Evan Fournier used “regrettable and unacceptable words” after the game, speaking about the way France played.
As Coller said: “It is a regrettable and unacceptable statement, for which he bears responsibility. I will not make any further comments, but I think that the group adheres (to the game plan). We are not doing everything very well, we have figures that reflect our defensive quality and they have been falling for two or three matches. We must come back. As I said yesterday, I am convinced that with the team we have, we cannot obtain results if we do not have defensive solidity”.
Fournier spoke to the press in the mixed zone, however, the part of his quotes that created the backlash from his coach is his comment about the defense.
According to “L’Equipe” Fournier said: “Nowadays, the best defense is the offense. It’s not the game of the 1990s or 2000s where you could defend half-court. Your offense is essential. On the floor balance and the transition. Especially when you play a team as strong in transition, as Germany is”.
The French guard also added about the upcoming quarterfinal game against Canada: “We lost a match, it hurts. We will be in Paris, and we will play a better game. After all, we will not be the favorites in this match, that’s clear, we are not going to lie to ourselves. But that doesn’t mean we can’t show better things. We are armed for it”.
Fournier’s reaction
After the statement of coach Collet, Evan Fournier via “L’Equipe” talked on the issue providing clarification: “I have no agenda other than that of the team. Only one thing drives me: that we win. I maintain what I said. Our offense has to be more efficient, I think we all agree. I’m sorry that Vincent took it like that, that wasn’t the goal. I just want us to move forward. We scored 71 points yesterday. We won’t be able to beat anyone if we score 71 points. Offense-defense, there is always a balance.”
Photo credit: FIBA