Frédéric Fauthoux before his EuroBasket debut: « With our youth and enthusiasm, we can achieve great things »

Frédéric Fauthoux is preparing for his first official game as head coach of the French national team in a major international competition. In Katowice, where France begins their EuroBasket campaign this Thursday against Belgium, the coach reflected on the summer preparation and adjustments made. Confident but cautious, he emphasizes collective strength and the importance of staying vigilant against a Belgium team known for their outside shooting.

« The greater the challenges, the stronger the group became »

Speaking to journalists, Frédéric Fauthoux didn’t hide his eagerness: « I haven’t felt this way in a long time. Since when? 2005, even though I was on the other side of the fence (as a player), but this moment where time doesn’t pass quickly enough to start this first game. » Despite preparation disrupted by withdrawals, the coach believes the team has gained maturity through friendly matches: « With the team spirit that the players have managed to create among themselves, I feel that the more challenges we faced, the stronger the group became. That’s often how it is in difficult times – you see everyone’s character, both individual and collective, emerge. Until now, the group has responded very positively to all this. We’ve adapted to our circumstances. »

The collective dynamic remains at the heart of his message. Fauthoux emphasizes the positive mindset shown by his players: « This is a group that doesn’t complain, has real cohesion, and respects each other. »

The deliberate choice of small ball

Deprived of certain interior players, the French team had to adapt their game. « We had imagined one style of play, but with Vincent’s (Poirier) injury for example, we had to adapt our way of playing. So far, it’s working. » With only one true center, Mam’ Jaiteh – Alexandre Sarr being more of a stretch five – playing small-ball has become more than just an option for France. It’s now a necessity, at least in sequences, which isn’t without positive consequences for the French game. The coach fully embraces it: « It’s a weapon for many teams today. With our size homogeneity in certain positions, we can trouble some teams. »

A new-look French team 🇫🇷

You have to go back 15 years to find a French Team this young for an international competition.

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This orientation towards more mobility and outside shooting offers more offensive variety, although Fauthoux warns: the truth will be judged on the court.

Belgium, a tricky first opponent

The French coach doesn’t underestimate the difficulty of the first matchup: « Belgium is a team that shoots a lot of three-pointers. And on a day when they’re hitting, it can hurt. » Several Belgian players who have played in Betclic ÉLITE will need to be watched closely, like Ismael Bako (Paris Basketball), Mamadou Guissé (Limoges), Loïc Schwartz (Saint-Quentin), Manu Lecomte (ex Pau), Kevin Tumba (ex Fos), Andy Van Vliet (ex BCM) and Hans Vanwijn (ex Dijon, among others).

The head coach also acknowledges the uncertainty of a tournament’s first game: between pressure and excitement, his young French team needs to find the right balance.

Ambitious but grounded

Considered one of the favorites behind Germany and Serbia, France accepts this status without excess. « It’s flattering to be rated so highly. But with our youth and enthusiasm, we can achieve great things, » emphasizes Fauthoux.

While he obviously dreams of a long run, the coach prefers to stay focused on the essentials: team spirit and progression throughout the competition.

Strazel, an already recognized leader

Frédéric Fauthoux personally requested the Federation to allow Matthew Strazel to stay with the team for at least the first round of the Euro, following his withdrawal: « Matthew has this natural leadership in him. Despite his young age, he has already won a lot and that can’t be learned in two weeks. »

While he may need to return to his club soon, his presence within the French team is seen as essential. « For me, it’s something important. Even if he doesn’t always play, his presence matters, » adds the head coach, who sees him as a natural liaison both on and off the court.

In Katowice,