“It will take a little time to create an amalgam” believes Fabien Simondet, ex-coach of the Angels of Béziers

L'ex coach des Béziers Angels estime que les Biterroises sont favorites face à Chamalières.

After six seasons at the helm of the Béziers Angels, last April, Fabien Simondet decided to take a step back. For the first match of the BV season, this Saturday, September 28 at the Palais des Sports, he will not be on the bench, where he has just worked for ten years as assistant to Cyril Ong, then as head coach from the summer of 2018. He has been appointed director of the amateur sector of Béziers Volley. He takes a look at the new version of the Angels.

What are your new functions within the club ?

I am in charge of the sports management of the club: from the youngest, from 6 years old, to adults. I supervise the training of coaches, the setting up of championships and groups, as well as the detection in all these categories.

Why such a change ?

I had been on the front lines on weekends for many years, and I felt the need to take a break. On a psychological level, it was taking a lot of energy. During the last season, I felt a bit tired, and I didn't want to do too much of a year. So, we talked with the management about this new position, in order to restructure the training and the young people. We have almost 200 members, around fifteen coaches. So it's a lot of work too, but with less pressure.

Your view on the Béziers Angels, new version?

There are only four players left from last season, the four French players, Margaux Bouzinac, Manon Bernard, Maélys Agnese and Juliette Bodinier. It's still a bit early to assess the true level of this team. It will take a little time to create an amalgam.

Béziers favorite this Saturday to host Chamalières ?

It is always important to start with a victory, especially at home. Chamalières is a team that is progressing little by little. A few years ago, it was often playing to stay up. But by referring to our past, our titles, our experience, our results in recent years, and the fact that we are playing at home, on paper, we are favorites compared to the Puy-de-Dôme club.

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