The Julien Olive gymnasium is set to come alive like never before. This Friday at 8pm, Martigues Volley, the leader of the Ligue B championship, will host their runner-up Royan in a highly anticipated duel. Just hours before kick-off, Martigues’ coach Ricardo Martinez spoke to Maritima about the mindset of his team and the exceptional atmosphere awaiting the fans.
The match has been eagerly awaited for weeks. In a fiercely competitive Ligue B, Martigues holds the top spot with a slim lead over their evening rival. A dream scenario for coach Ricardo Martinez: “In this sports format, with 30 games and only one team moving up at the end, every match will count until the end, but a victory tonight would make us masters of our destiny. We would have signed up at the beginning of the season to play this kind of decisive match at the end of March,” he stated in an interview with Manuel Danloy.
A packed hall and additional stands Given 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 at ground level, closer to the players, to transform the venue into a real cauldron. “There is a growing bond with the audience. The series of victories has filled the halls, but we also feel that this team exudes a contagious cohesion. Tonight, everyone must be part of this event,” emphasizes Ricardo Martinez.
The MVB secret: 12 players and contagious cohesion If Martigues dominates the season, it is also thanks to an unprecedented bench depth. Unlike previous years with a smaller squad, 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’s something contagious for the public,” he explained to Manuel Danloy.
No prepared speeches: “Emotions take over” Asked about his pre-match talk for the clash against Royan, the Martigues coach prefers instinct over method: “I avoid planning speeches for matches like this. I think emotions will come into play and writing things in advance leaves little room for heart and everything we can’t control. That’s the magic of sports.”
Practical information: – Fixture: Martigues Volley (1st) / Royan (2nd) – Kick-off: tonight, 8:00 pm – Venue: Gymnase Julien Olive, Martigues – Tickets: arrive early, the venue is expected to be full!
Also read: 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
