Fournier: “First of all it’s the players’ fault – It makes no sense to fire Cole before the Olympics”

After the bronze medal at the 2019 World Cup, as well as the silver at last summer’s EuroBasket, the France went to this year’s Mundobasket with big dreams.

Nevertheless, the “tricolors” turned out to be the biggest disappointment of the competition, suffering a painful elimination from the first group stage, occupying the 18th place in the final ranking.

Speaking to Meso in his hometown, the French forward of the New York Knicks, Evan Fournierinitially referred to the poor course of the national team, stressing that:

“I’m disappointed like everyone else. We must stand up, despite the fact that it is hard to digest. It’s everyone’s fault. I have always said that in both victory and defeat, the people with the most responsibility are those with the most “guilt”, including the team captains. First of all, we are to blame.”

Afterwards, he also referred to the French national coach, Vincent Collet, and the rumors that want him close to the exit door after this year’s failure of the “tricolors”:

“We shouldn’t question everything, especially a year before the Olympics. It wouldn’t make sense. Vincent Collet and his staff have done a good job from 2019 onwards. However, adjustments need to be made in how new players are integrated into the team.” pointed out the 30-year-old forward.