This Wednesday January 12, the Volleyball Tours faces the Italian team from Modena at 8 p.m., for the round of 16 first leg of the CEV Cup (small European Cup). Grenon will be full, at least within the limit of the jmaximum trough namely 2000 people. A high-level match, since Modene is one of the biggest achievements in Volleyball world, with in its ranks a team of galactic players, including French Olympic gold medalist Earvin Ngapeth. A player who is far from being an unknown in Tours, he who walked the floor of the TVB between 2008 and 2011. This match therefore has a very special flavor for the French international.
When you heard that you were going to play against Tours in the round of 16 of the European Cup, what was your reaction?
“I was super happy! It was my first professional club, it’s the club where I had my first emotions at the top level, so it’s really nice to be there and in addition I’m from Poitou so it’s a real homecoming. There are the friends who will be present for the match and the family too so double happiness“.
– Pierre Teyssot
How do you see this match against TVB?
“It will be a very special emotion, in addition, it is the first time that I will play an official match in France after the Olympics. Tours Volley Ball has a lot to do with it if today I’m making this career and I would be grateful to the club all my life, so it’s going to be a great time. I’m very excited”.
– Jean Rinaud
No gifts in front of your former teammates from Tours?
“With Modena we are there for the victory. In addition, we have the quarter-final of the Italian Cup on Sunday, so it’s going to be important to play a big game to arrive with confidence. So no gifts are planned “.
– Philippe Lecoeur
Tours Volley Ball has a lot to do with it if today I am making this career and I would be grateful to the club all my life.
Since winning the Olympic Games this summer, has your status changed?
“Yes, in terms of volleyball, I passed a milestone, we felt that something happened. We see it every day, there is a lot of enthusiasm. I receive messages from parents about very touching social networks that say that since the Olympics their children have taken to volleyball and they love it. Honestly, these are the most beautiful messages that we receive. Today what is most important is to continue to gain time if we want to take a new step “.
– Lionel vadam
With the gauge imposed on 2000 indoor spectators, can the lack of public be binding when you are a high-level player?
“It’s annoying for everyone. Volleyball without the public and the full halls, it is not the same joy, the same pace of play. Envy and enthusiasm necessarily diminish when you are a high-level player, because when there is public, there is a part of the spectacle. In Italy, the rooms are 35% full, the atmosphere is completely different. But it’s the same for everyone, you have to accept it and continue to give the maximum with or without an audience.“.
TVB – Modène / Wednesday January 12 8 p.m. – Salle Grenon.