Crossed Interview of Thomas Vernoux and Georgios Dervisis

Crossed Interview of Thomas Vernoux and Georgios Dervisis

respectively players of French and Greek national teams

The two men met a week ago in the quarter-finals of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, a decisive game for Tokyo, which ended on shootout. We met them so that they could come back, for us, on this match and on the OQT.

France Water-Polo : France and Greece met in the quarterfinals of this Olympic Qualification Tournament and we had to wait for the shootout to see a winner. How did you live this match?

Thomas Vernoux : I think for most of the team it was the most important game we played. We’re a young team and there was a lot of pressure. It was the first knock out game where we didn’t have the right to make mistakes. So we were all ready to play and no one missed his game. Everyone was in full swing. We left a lot of energy and felt a lot of emotions, and it was more complicated to re-motivate for the end of the tournament. It was amazing and awesome to play anyway, although unfortunately there was no public.

Georgios Dervisis : It was a very tough match, both teams had a very high incentive to win. Even though the game started really well for us, the second period, France began to take their game to the next level, with great momentum, and with a rain of goals. Now, we found ourselves losing and that’s when the stress and pressure kicked in for our team. The important piece from this match is that we showed dedication, determination, and courage, as we managed to find solutions to the game in order to bring the final score to a tie. This game was very important and a win was very crucial. During the shootouts, we were very lucky that our goal keeper made two amazing saves, and using that momentum we managed to pull out a win.

FWP : Did the best team win this game?

TV : In this game anyway, neither team gained the upper hand over the other. There was no better, proof of that as it ended on shootout. Afterwards, if we look at the last few years, it is sure that Greece is better than France. But in this kind of tournament we managed to achieve good results. We hope to be able to repeat this in the future and be able to be competitive with the bigger ones.

GD : This particular match was very special. There were moments that Greece was more dominant and in other parts France was better. Overall I think that the team that was more confident and calm won. The penalty shootout is always a very stressful procedure where a combination of composure and luck is needed.

FWP : France led by three goals in the middle of the third period and seemed to hold the win. What was the turning moment of the match?

TV : We had a very good period in the middle of the game where we scored six goals in a row and we go ahead and then we get caught. Unfortunately we have seen this same thing several times during this OTQ, especially against Netherlands both times and Canada. We manage to take a good advantage then we have a slump that makes them come back. The only match perfectly managed was against Romania where we took a big lead.

Crédits Photo : InsideFoto

GD : The moment we turned the game around was when we decided to play solid defense and took our focus to the extra player. We managed to make some very important plays on defence, even when we were down two players. I believe that the psychology for successful offense comes from successful and hard-working defence.

FWP : What was the most difficult game for you on this OQT?

TV : I don’t think Greece was the most difficult game because we were more than motivated and ready to play. However, the two games that followed, against Canada and Netherlands, were much more difficult. We had to regain motivation despite the elimination and after this thrilling game. We had already played six games and it was mentally difficult.

GD : The most difficult game in Rotterdam for us was the one against France.
It was the first knock out game in the tournament and at some point of the game were three goals behind. In that particular moment of the match we knew that if we did not change the way we were playing, the tournament would be over for us.

Nevertheless we found the courage to continue and we showed “big team” mentality, we overturned the game and finally won at the penalty shootout procedure.

FWP : You will meet again in the Champions League with Marseille and Olympiacos. A match which we’ll be surely contested. How do you see the outcome of the match?

TV : It’s hard to predict because the two teams are equal. Anything can happen but one thing is sure iit will be tight. In both clubs there is a lot of quality and everyone will give the best, especially for us who have not yet won in this Champions League and we have lost by little each time. We will have to take points in this tournament to hope to make a Final 8.

GD : Marseille is a team with a new coach and very good new players. We had the opportunity to face some of the players in the pre-Olympic tournament. They are a very competitive team, with integrity. In my opinion, it is a very demanding and tough match for both teams.

FWP : Thomas, What can you tell us about Georgios ?

TV : I haven’t played so much against Georgios Dervisis. He is very polyvalent and can go to the sides, behind and even play center. In today’s water polo it’s very important to have polyvalent players like him. He is a very good player and very important for Olympiacos and Greek national team.

Georgios Dervisis

FWP : Georgios, What can you tell us about Thomas ?

GD : Thomas Vernoux was one of the best players of the tournament, even though he is young in age! I believe that in a couple of years he will be one of the best players in the world. He has a bright future in front of him! I hope that he will keep up the great work and dedication. I hope all his dreams come true.

FWP : Would you like the other one to come and play at your club with you ?

TV : As I said, his polyvalence could be very beneficial for Marseille as for a lot of other big clubs elsewhere.

GD : I believe that we would all want to have Thomas Vernoux as a teammate. He is an athlete that is always improving and he is capable of playing different position. This can provide many solutions during the match to his team.

Thomas Vernoux (Crédits Photo : InsideFoto)

FWP : Who will be Olympic Champion?

TV : It’s hard to make a prediction. It will be a very good competition because there are often teams that reveal themselves in this kind of tournament and manage to win medals. The Olympic title will be disputed. Despite everything, I would bet on Serbia, which is a very equilibrated team where there are the best players in the world in every position.

GD : As for the qualifications to the Olympics, this is something that is unpredictable. There are many teams, which in the last 4 years have shown many good qualities and can leave their mark in a tournament. However, what I can say is that the team who will manage to surpass their stress and pressure of the competition, the tiredness of the previous matches, and can manage to enjoy the match, they will be the winner!

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Une – Crédits Photo : InsideFoto