Herning (Denmark) (AFP)

"There is no respect for the players and it is dramatic," regretted Friday the coach of the France team Olivier Krumbholz after the injury of winger Laura Flippes in the draw of the French against Russia (28-28) at the Euro-2020 handball in Herning (Denmark).

Q: You were annoyed at the end of the meeting.

What happened ?

A: "We had two problems. The first, which we have already talked about, is the programming of the matches. There was a serious injury, there is no respect for the players and it is dramatic. . The second problem is the refereeing. They are in difficulty on almost all the matches since the beginning of the competition. Here too, I think that it does not matter for the EHF (European Handball Federation, Editor's note) since the players are not important and fairness in sport is not important for the EHF either. "

Q: Laura Flippes got injured.

Do you think it is linked to the sequence imposed by the EHF to play two matches in 24 hours?

A: "You have the precautionary principle. We have been applying it for a year in France, with enormous constraints for all French people. We have 16 French women who come here, on whom we impose enormous constraints all day long and that the 'We play twice in 24 hours. Where's the logic? Frankly, who are we kidding, who are we kidding? "

Q: Do you blame the EHF for not postponing the match to Sunday, to avoid a chain of two matches in 24 hours?

A: "There were plenty of solutions. We were constructive, but they didn't want to hear anything. It's disrespectful and dangerous for the players. Now, what I hope is that the world of handball We must not forget that, if it is the cruciate ligaments, Laura Flippes will not make the Olympics, will not make the European Cup, will not play for six months for her club and will not play qualifying for the World Championship if we play qualifying. But that doesn't seem to be important. It only seems to be important for us, the teams. At the end of this competition, we must all meet, all the federations, with Denmark I hope, to say stop. This is unacceptable. Unacceptable. "

Interview at a press conference.

© 2020 AFP