Basketball: "The second period was the most successful of the preparation," swears Fauthoux

Halftime : "We first analyzed what we hadn't done. We didn't play with the necessary intensity. That's the difficulty of playing matches in a row (the Blues faced Spain last Thursday, editor's note). But that's what awaits us at the European Championship. The players responded really well. The second half was a great performance. That's what we have to remember. But we must never forget what happened in the first 20 minutes."

On whether France is where he hoped at this stage of preparation : "Honestly, yes, I think there was a good competition against Spain, a rejuvenated team. I think the second half this (Saturday) evening was the most successful of the preparation. It was interesting to see the team in the tough, to see how they would react. So, I want to say yes. What are we missing? Still a lot of matches. We see that we lack maturity in certain moments, we lack experience in others. And I think that the more matches we play, the more the team will improve. It's a little bit like the story of all teams that are a little young. The more they play, the better they are. Because the players are progressing. So I hope that time will play in our favor."

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As many rotations at the Euro as during the preparation : "We'll see, it will also depend on the scenario of the matches. Afterwards, given the energy that the players put in, the pressure, we need to have fresh players so that they give everything they can give physically. We are lucky to have a lot of talented players, so we need to see them on the field. So, yes, it is a possibility to have a big rotation at the European Championship."

I couldn't see myself spoiling the party.

Freddy Fauthoux

The context as a lever to wake up the players at half-time : "So, I didn't talk about it at all, to be honest. But what's certain is that I didn't see myself spoiling the party. It's true, it's an exceptional evening. I think it's a very nice tribute that was paid to Nico (Batum) and Nando (De Colo) , but also to the players who were able to pass the milestone of 200 caps, it's something enormous. And the words they had this morning for the players were strong. And I think we also had to be aware of what it means to wear this jersey. It's really a legacy and it was really a very beautiful handover. So, I didn't use it at half-time. Maybe I'll use it one day because it was a really beautiful moment. And with such a full Bercy for their tribute, it means that basketball is here in France. And we have a duty to keep this tradition alive."

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The importance of victories in preparation versus content : "A bit of both, honestly. It's always good to win and continue to progress by winning. For example, today's scenario is one we might relive during the competition. And I hope it will be useful then. So, first, I pay attention to the content."

The timing of the final list : "We can't play with the players' nerves either. What happened during this preparation was quite tough. I put myself in the players' shoes. They had to play under that pressure, really. When we see their commitment during the matches, the atmosphere that reigns in this team where the group is truly unique, we will make a decision (Sunday). Because we have to respect the players."

Comments collected at a press conference