Talant Dujshebaev: New France Handball Coach Aims to Win After Shock Appointment

Créteil, France – Talant Dujshebaev officially began his tenure as the head coach of the French national handball team on Monday, stepping into the role following the departure of Guillaume Gille. The legendary Spanish handball figure, arriving from Poland where he currently coaches Kielce, described the opportunity as “a gift from the heavens” during his introductory press conference at the Maison du Handball in Créteil, the French team’s training center.

Dujshebaev, a celebrated player and coach, inherits a team looking to rebound from a disappointing seventh-place finish at the recent European Championship. The immediate challenge is qualifying for the next World Championship, requiring them to navigate a playoff round in May against the Czech Republic after their Euro performance. The appointment of Dujshebaev, a figure steeped in handball history, signals a clear intent to restore France to its position among the world’s elite.

A Warm Welcome, and a Familiar Challenge

The 57-year-traditional Dujshebaev was greeted by his new players earlier Monday, meeting them for lunch before a 45-minute strategy session. Several players, including Nedim Remili, Nicolas Tournat, and Dylan Nahi, were already familiar to Dujshebaev from his time coaching at Kielce. He was flanked at the press conference by Philippe Bana, President of the French Handball Federation (FFHB), and Guillaume Joli, who will serve as his assistant coach.

Interestingly, Dujshebaev began his remarks in French, offering a simple “Bonjour!” despite being fluent in six languages – Russian, English, Spanish, and his native Kirghiz, among others. He conducted much of the press conference in English and Spanish, promising to quickly master French, a practice he values based on his experiences coaching players in Poland who had to learn Polish.

“We Are Here to Win”

Dujshebaev wasted no time establishing his expectations. “The first thing I told them is simple: we are the French team and we are here to win,” he stated, outlining a clear and uncompromising objective. This message was echoed by former French coach Daniel Costantini, who predicted, “With him, things will go straight.”

The new coach’s ambition is matched by a sense of humility and gratitude. He admitted being shocked when Bana initially contacted him about the position, stating, “Frankly, I didn’t believe it. It’s a gift from the heavens. Considering what the French team represents, its history, I consider it a great honor to have been chosen.” He acknowledged the significant responsibility that comes with leading a program with such a rich tradition.

A Ferrari, Not a Fiat Uno

Dujshebaev’s coaching resume speaks for itself. He has previously led the national teams of Hungary and Poland, qualifying Poland for the 2016 Rio Olympics. However, he readily admits that the French program represents a different level of opportunity. “Without disrespecting Hungary and Poland, compared to France, it’s like comparing a Fiat Uno to a Ferrari,” he quipped, highlighting the resources and talent available to him.

FFHB President Philippe Bana emphasized the federation’s confidence in Dujshebaev’s ability to revitalize the team. “When it came time to choose someone to be at the heart of the high-performance reactor, he was the obvious choice,” Bana said. “He is a lover of France, someone who is ready to do everything to make the French team win given that it was a duty for him.”

Looking Ahead: Spain and Beyond

Dujshebaev’s first matches at the helm will be particularly poignant, as France will face Spain – the country he adopted in 1995 and where he enjoyed a distinguished playing and coaching career with Ciudad Real – in two friendly matches. The first is scheduled for Thursday evening in Le Mans (Sarthe), followed by a second match on Sunday in Ciudad Real. His son, Alex Dujshebaev, will unfortunately miss these matches due to injury.

Beyond these immediate fixtures, Dujshebaev has his sights set on long-term success. The road map includes the 2027 World Championship, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and the 2029 World Championship, which France will co-host. He reiterated his unwavering commitment to winning, stating, “The president can fire me whenever he wants. Otherwise, I will be 67 years old in 2025, and that’s the retirement age in Spain. By then, I fully intend to have won everything with Kielce, my club, and the French team.”

The appointment of Talant Dujshebaev marks a new chapter for French handball. His experience, ambition, and clear vision offer a renewed sense of optimism as Les Bleus aim to reclaim their place at the pinnacle of the sport. The challenge is significant, but Dujshebaev appears ready to embrace it, driven by a simple, yet powerful, mantra: win, win, win.

Next Up: France faces Spain in a friendly match on Thursday, March 19th, in Le Mans, France. Follow the French Handball Federation’s official website for updates and live coverage.