Montpellier Handball has a twelve-goal advantage after the first leg but just lost to Tremblay. Lack of confidence.
Montpellier Handball has learned the hard way: a comfortable cushion of goals is not always enough. In 2024, MHB stumbled in Kiel (21-31) after a stellar performance at home (39-30).
Elverum, dismantled like a puzzle (36-24) last Tuesday, is not Kiel thankfully. And the European League is not yet the Champions League. Far from it. Should we be overconfident before the return match on Tuesday, April 7th (6:45 pm) in Norway?
The unexpected defeat against Tremblay (36-35) on Saturday calls for a sense of humility. When Montpellier does not give its all, the team can become ordinary again.
Context: Montpellier Handball faces challenges despite a significant lead from the first leg. The team must regroup and refocus for the upcoming match in Norway.
Fact Check: The article discusses Montpellier Handball’s recent loss to Tremblay and the need to address shortcomings, especially when facing Elverum in the next game. The absence of key players like Jack Thurin is highlighted as a potential issue.
The glaring absence of Thurin
Furthermore, they will once again have to cope with the absence of Jack Thurin, not always effective in his role as a right back but highly efficient at 7 meters when converting penalties. Against Tremblay, Léo Plantin, David Balaguer, and Lucas Guigon missed four penalties. Do the math!
Erick Mathé, the coach, cautions, “No pointing fingers at these guys. Jack has also had failures in this exercise. It can happen.”
In light of the Tremblay misstep, the MHB coach knew they were in big trouble. With or without Thurin. “Between two European Cup matches, these things happen. It was a trap game. We had the keys to win but missed too many opportunities.”
Fact Check: The article emphasizes the impact of missed opportunities on Montpellier’s performance and the coach’s acknowledgment of the need to focus on improving for future games.
A warm reception
In Elverum, where they are likely to receive a warm reception – the Norwegians did not appreciate the end of the match at the FDI Stadium – the Hérault team is under pressure to elevate their performance. A challenge for Charles Bolzinger, who made 16 saves in the first leg.
After arriving at their hotel on Sunday afternoon, Erick Mathé’s men had Easter Monday to ponder over everything and, if necessary, get their thoughts in order. “We must quickly focus on Elverum. The team has experience in these situations. It is well equipped to secure qualification,” believes the Montpellier technician.
Context: Montpellier Handball faces a crucial match against Elverum and needs to demonstrate resilience and determination to secure qualification for the next round.
The squad: Bolzinger, Desbonnet, Simonet, Villeminot, Srna, Moraes, Casado, Guigon, Lenne, Soutoul, Porte, Balaguer, Plantin, Monte, Prat.
