BLMA CEO Olivier Ribotta wants to do even better than last season. Midi Libre – Michael Esdourrubailh
BLMA CEO Olivier Ribotta takes stock of the various objectives at the midpoint of the 2024-2025 season, while the Gazelles (2nd) host Charnay (3rd), this Sunday, January 5 (4 p.m.).
Eight wins, three losses, five wins in a row. The team is currently in full swing in the championship…
We had three series. First three wins, then a bad patch and three losses, and then five wins. The mathematical objective was reached at the break, we wanted to be in the top 2 and we are second. Now, we really want to maintain the optimal level of this team and even improve afterwards.
The team is even the best defense in the championship…
I think we found our rhythm in defense. We sometimes leave a lot of energy there, so it has an echo in attack where we lose a little skill. We know very well that with the best defense in the championship, you can win trophies.
After a successful first half of the season, the objectives have been raised ?
No, we want to do better than last year (quarter-final in the Eurocup and semi-final in the LFB in 2024). We really have two very high goals for the championship and the European Cup. We don't have to choose with the length of the squad.
200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000The only black spot in this first phase is the elimination in the Coupe de France ?
We didn't put the right ingredients against Charnay. But I think it will be a saving elimination that will allow us to stay fresh for the other two competitions. The season is a real marathon. Charnay arrived at a weak point in the season.
“I have rarely seen such a tight championship”
For you, who are the favorites in the championship and the European Cup?
In the 15 years that I have been in the Women's League, I have rarely seen such a tight championship. You have to be wary of everyone.
It's the one who will be the most consistent, who will finish the regular season the best. And then afterwards, we know very well that in the playoffs, everything is called into question. In Europe, it's still the Turkish clubs: Galatasaray and Besiktas, they have a big budget.
What do you remember from the year 2024 ?
We really managed to build a squad that resembles what we want to be, that is to say a committed, dynamic team, that is fun to see whether it wins or loses, and that creates emotions. That’s what I would remember because that’s really what we wanted to do and that’s a real satisfaction.
Last year, you organized the first edition of Héraia, a sequel is planned ?
Not for this season. In addition to the level of organization required, it’s not economically possible. Afterwards, with the Arena calendar, we have difficulty finding a date. But now we are preparing. I think the second edition should arrive very quickly at the beginning of next season.