“France has not finished growing, winning finals”: ​​the predictions of Diego Simonet, the MHB Argentinian

Jeudi soir, Diego Simonet retrouvera Ludovic Fabregas et Valentin Porte. MAXPPP – WU HONG

Emblematic player of Montpellier Handball since 2013, Diego Simonet is also the captain of the Argentine selection which will challenge France, European champion, Thursday at the Sud de France Arena (9:10 p.m.).

Playing against France in Montpellier, at home, with the Argentinian selection, what does that represent ?

It’s a double pleasure. Most of my teammates are not used to playing in these kinds of venues, against the European champions. This is nothing normal. It’s a gala evening. You have to take advantage of it.

The Sud de France Arena is not yet full

If the second day of the Trophy of the Continents (France-Egypt and Japan-Argentina) is almost sold out with some 8,000 tickets already sold out, it will be sold out. reserved, it’s a little more complicated; for the first, Thursday.

As of Tuesday morning, only 5,000 places had been filled. sold for France-Argentina and Japan-Egypt. It is true that Montpellier is coming out of a prosperous period with receptions in Paris, Veszprém and Limoges. Fans have to make choices.

What is your team's goal this week (Argentina will also play Japan on Saturday) ?

Look for the group that will go to Paris next summer for the Olympic Games, try things, work… At the Olympics we will meet very high level teams. We hope to win one or two matches, to achieve exploits. To do this, we will have to surprise our opponents.

How many selections do you have ?

To be honest, I don't know. I have been in the selection since the age of 17. What matters is wearing this jersey. Being in the national team is a source of pride.

What place does handball hold in Argentina, compared to football in particular ?

The State invests a lot in football. Handball is completely amateur. Even in the top division, players have to pay to play. And they all have jobs on the side. Not to mention the facilities which are not great. With the crisis, it got even worse. It’s hard. After our first qualification for the Olympics (2012), we hoped that things would change…

This is not the case ?

Today, after four qualifications (2012, 2016, 2021, 2024), we no longer need to explain the rules of handball. Our sport is a little more publicized.

Also read: "Despite January's result, history remains to be written" : Trophy of the continents, Olympic Games, Guillaume Gille plans

What does French handball inspire you??

I remember, after the retreats of Narcisse and Fernandez, people were worried at home. Some said: “There is nothing left behind”. Phew… In fact, it’s quite the opposite. The kids arriving today know how to do everything. France has not finished growing and winning finals.
 

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