French Men's Volleyball Team Shifts Focus to Youth for 2025 Nations League
France's men's volleyball team embraces youth for the 2025 Nations League, blending experience for future success.
Key Points
- • France begins the 2025 Nations League in Canada with a younger team.
- • Head coach Andrea Giani rests veterans while integrating new players.
- • They must finish in the top eight to qualify for the Final Eight.
- • Théo Faure stresses starting strong and building on past successes.
The French men's volleyball team begins its 2025 Nations League journey in Canada, showcasing a refreshed, younger squad. As defending champions, the team's strategy this year involves fielding a mix of experienced and new players, with head coach Andrea Giani prioritizing youth to allow seasoned athletes to rest for upcoming competitions.
France is set to face formidable opponents including Argentina, Italy, Canada, and Germany in the first phase of the tournament, with the team needing to finish in the top eight after a total of twelve matches to qualify for the Final Eight in Ningbo, China, later in the summer. Among the 14 players selected, six boast prior Nations League experience, while the remaining eight will make their tournament debuts, signaling the team's transition into a new era of players. Notable debutants include setters Anatole Chaboissant and Amir Tizi-Oualou.
Théo Faure, one of the experienced players, emphasized the importance of starting strong, highlighting the momentum they hope to carry from their previous victory. The team aims to maintain continuity and capitalize on their championship experience while integrating younger talents. The second leg of the competition will be held in Bulgaria at the end of June, potentially allowing veteran players to rejoin the lineup ahead of the World Championship in the Philippines later this year.