Toulouse. Lora Sarandeva: “I didn’t hesitate too much in my choice”
The 25-year-old Bulgarian center half, landed at TFH from the Spanish club Granollers, will live her first experience in a French championship.
How was your arrival at TFH?
Within the team, I already knew one of the goalkeepers, Andrea de la Torre, who also played at Granollers. She informed me that the club first got the rise on the pitch. Before obtaining it also on the administrative level. The sports project has me more. So, I did not hesitate too much in my choice. In addition, there is also Elene Vazquez who also arrives from Granollers. So that already gives me good benchmarks within the group. It’s really interesting to discover a new country, a new league, a new style of play. I can’t wait for the season to start (the first day is scheduled for next Saturday at Sambre Avesnois, editor’s note).
Training for the new season started on July 18. Then, on July 30 and 31, the team completed a cohesion stage in Najac with various sports activities. What are your impressions of this preparation?
It’s really positive. I don’t speak French yet. But like the other recruits, I was very well integrated. This kind of scene, I had never known that in Spain. On the other hand, when training started, I have to be honest, I didn’t expect to run so much (laughs). However, I knew that in France it was going to be more physical. However, little by little, I am adapting. And above all, there is a good atmosphere. It is requested simpler under these conditions. I missed the first friendlies due to a minor injury. But nothing serious.
On the sporting level, do you comment on this season with a promoted team?
Last season, the team dominated the championship. True, the climb was achieved after a dam. But the team was used to winning almost all the time. This time, in D2, the level is therefore higher, even much higher. The number of defeats is likely to be greater than that of the last exercise. Like other recruits, I look forward to bringing my experience to the collective. With Granollers, I was able to taste the European Cups in particular. I hope that we will all take a step forward and achieve great things.