“I’m disappointed, but it’s over”: Marin Johannes in New York, far from the Blue

Marin Johannes doesn’t really show it, but she has a lot of potatoes. A week ago, she took part in the American Championship with the New York Liberty, while she wanted to be with the French team preparing for the Euro. She is stuck between two rules that are clearly impossible to reconcile: WNBA rules that required her to be present at the start of the Americas, and France rules that did the same to prepare for the Euros (June 15 to 25). We tried to find out a little more from the main stakeholder after her loss to Chicago on Sunday night in the Big Apple (82-86). The French rear (28), with 11 points, was reluctant to expand on the subject, no doubt knowing that one too many words could rob her of a future in blue when the Olympics take place next year. But she nevertheless agreed to tell a little about herself.

Are you frustrated that you can’t compete in the Euros with France?

Yes, I’m disappointed, but now it’s over. I don’t want to think about it or talk about it again. I’m glad to be here. I have always dreamed of being in this league with such players and in such a strong team. I’m incredibly lucky.

Is that why you decided to join the WNBA?

But I didn’t choose! I am here and I am happy. I don’t really want to go into details.

What do you mean ? That it is not your responsibility and that, in your opinion, it seemed possible for you to come here and then leave to compete at the Euro?

Again, I don’t really want to dwell on this topic. I am very happy to be back here. (Editor’s note: She had stated yesterday afternoon in a text shared with RMC that she was “deprived of the France team” and that she was “convinced that a solution could be found and that it was possible to do both.”).

You have received many tokens of support, Tony Parker AND Nikolay Batum especially…

They made me very happy. All these signs of support allowed me to stay positive to confirm my choice to fulfill my dream of playing here.

“Of course I will watch the Euro! I will follow them and be behind them.”

Do you think this situation could penalize you for the rest of your blue career?

I am not sure, let see what will happen. I’m going to spend my season here, and we’ll see about the rest later.

Will you watch Euro?

Of course I will watch! I will follow them and be behind them. They are my friends.

How do you feel after being chained almost directly to the American championship?

I have been doing it this way for several years. This time I still managed to cut off a week where I had a good rest. I did nothing for six days. I needed it and I don’t think I’ll lose my rhythm in this short period. You just have to get back to it, but I feel good, I’m happy.

How did you get through your first two encounters with the NY Liberty?

The last match was difficult. I’m tired, I won’t lie, but I just want to help the team. In the second game, I got better. It was especially difficult to go directly to Seattle (ed. note: last Monday, when he arrived, his team went there). The time difference is huge, the difference with France is 9 hours. But now it’s better. I ran a little, did a little bodybuilding.

Was it difficult to navigate?

Not really. Of course, I will have to re-learn how to play with girls, because there are many new players. As the coach told us in the locker room, we should all help each other form a group. But I’m very happy to be back in New York. I’m just trying to be helpful to the team.