The Julien Olive gym is gearing up to vibrate like never before. This Friday at 8 p.m., Martigues Volley, the leader of the Ligue B championship, will host its runner-up Royan in a duel that promises to be intense. Just hours before kick-off, Martigues’ coach Ricardo Martinez opened up to Maritima about the team’s mindset and the exceptional atmosphere awaiting the supporters.
The meeting has been anticipated for weeks. In a highly competitive Ligue B, Martigues holds the top spot with a slim lead over tonight’s opponent. A dream scenario for coach Ricardo Martinez: “In this sports format, with 30 games and only one team promoting at the end, every match will count until the end, but a victory tonight would put us in control of our destiny. We would have signed up at the beginning of the season to play this kind of decisive match in late March,” he declared at noon to Manuel Danloy.
A packed arena and additional stands
In response to the unprecedented enthusiasm of the fans, the club had to adapt. Tonight, the Julien Olive gymnasium will be at maximum capacity. Stands have even been added on the floor, closer to the players, to turn the venue into a true cauldron. “There has been a gradual connection with the fans. The series of victories encourages filling the stadiums, but we also feel that this team exudes a contagious cohesion. Tonight, everyone must be a part of this event,” emphasizes Ricardo Martinez.
The secret of MVB: 12 players and a contagious cohesion
If Martigues is dominating this season, it is also thanks to an unprecedented bench depth. Unlike previous years when the squad was smaller, the coach can rely on a complete group of 12 players. “I think the team, the players who are here this year, also bring this cohesion, this idea of always making efforts on the field for each other. I think it is something that is contagious for the audience,” he explains to Manuel Danloy.
No prepared speeches: “Emotion takes the lead”
Asked about his pre-match talk for this clash against Royan, the Martigues coach prefers instinct over method: “I avoid planning speeches for games like this. I believe emotions will come into play, and writing things in advance leaves little room for heart and everything we cannot control. That’s the magic of sports.”
Practical information:
- Match: Martigues Volley (1st) vs. Royan (2nd)
- Kick-off: Tonight, 8:00 p.m.
- Location: Gymnase Julien Olive, Martigues
- Ticketing: Arrive early, the venue is expected to be full!
Read also: Martigues Volley: “We are really a group of friends,” Emmanuel Ragondet opens up before the clash against Royan
Photo credit: A-L Daubignard MVB/ LNV
