Usual replacement for Rudy Gobert in preparation, Moustapha Fall then fell back a notch in the French rotation, once Mathias Lessort returned from injury. A change of status difficult to accept for the vice-Olympic champion and vice-champion of Europe.
In the columns of L’Équipethe pivot of Olympiakos did not fail to share his frustration, in the wake of the (difficult) victory of the France against Ivory Coast.
” I didn’t even play he slips smiling, about his personal situation. ” It’s not that we couldn’t see the [Moustapha Fall] of Olympiakos is that they didn’t see me at all. But that’s how it is… These are experiences that make you understand certain things. These are the choices of the coach. If there are questions to be asked, it is with him that we must see. Me, I was there. If he tells me to go home, I go. Otherwise, I’m not going. We have to respect the choices of the coach, that’s all. »
Play again to forget
One year from the Paris Olympic Games and at the end of this world Cup failed in all respects, Moustapha Fall now has only one desire: to return to the courts regularly, while he has only played an average of 12 minutes over four games (for a contribution of 2.0 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.0 against).
” There, I want to play again “, he confirms as well. ” It’s not like that usually when I leave the France team. For example, after the Olympics [2021], I was tired, I wanted a break. There, I’m so frustrated that I want to play, pick up my pace, regain confidence, get back in a good situation and forget what just happened. Sometimes we take things for granted. My situation with Olympiakos is incredible. The technical staff, the team, the supporters are incredible. I love playing with Olympiakos, I realize it even more after this World Cup. Now I just want to go back. »
During the 2024 Olympic Games, Moustapha Fall will be 32 years old and, behind Rudy Gobert, Victor Wembanyama and Guerschon Yabusele who already seem essential in French racket, he will be in competition with Mathias Lessort, Vincent Poirier, Mam Jaiteh, Ismaël Kamagate or possibly Joel Embiid…
Photo credit: FIBA.com
