France – Spain (29-26): Blues convincing for Talant Dujshebaev’s first as coach

Later, when we look at the history of the French handball team, they will remember that Talant Dujshebaev’s tenure at its head began with a victory. A first success for the mission entrusted to him to bring the Blues back to the top until the 2028 Olympics.

At Le Mans, the Blues began a new cycle by beating Spain this Thursday (29-26), the country of which the former Soviet player turned coach took nationality more than 30 years ago.

The twist of fate could have been taken to the extreme if his two boys had played. Only Daniel and Alex, Iberian internationals, are both injured.

Half an hour before kick-off, Talant Dujshebaev arrived with a smile and greeted all the officials. He has always dreamed of putting on the costume of coach of the tricolor armada and he visibly already feels good in it.

After his first Marseillaise in front of 5,317 spectators, the new boss most often remained standing, walking the 100 steps in front of the bench, his hands in the pockets of his jeans.

We often saw him communicating with the many Spanish speakers (Fabregas, Richardson, etc.) in his group. But not only that: he took care to communicate with everyone, replacing one, giving specific instructions to another and encouraging everyone by raising their arms or clenching their fists upon a successful action. He kindly incubated the first steps in blue of the only neo-international of the evening, Éliott Desblancs (Aix). He also carried out a large squad review, changing his 7 Major once or twice. He is renowned for being one of the best tacticians on the planet and the French team has already had a first glimpse of him.

Revenge in Spain on Sunday

The last opposition between the two nations dates back to the last Euro in January with a victory for the Spaniards (36-32). In the end, the latter, bronze medalists at the Games in 2024, did not do better than the French, who exited before the semi-finals. Between two great sticky ball nations that need to get back on track, France is off to a better start.

Revenge will not take long. The two teams will meet again on Sunday in Spain, at 1 p.m. The match will take place in La Ciudad Real, near Madrid. This is precisely where Talant Dujshebaev began his second life as a coach around twenty years ago. With him, La Ciudad had won three Champions Leagues.