After five seasons at FC Metz, Amélie Delabre is now flourishing at RCS Anderlecht in the Belgian D1. The attacker from Haute-Loire scores goals and dreams of qualifying for the group stage of the Champions League.
Since Collat, where she comes from, Amélie Delabre has come a long way. After a first degree in Paulhaguet then in Brioude, she is now the delight of Anderlecht, in Belgium, after spending three years in Saint-Étienne, then five, in Metz.
After his club’s victory last weekend against Louvain (0-1), the Altiligerian and his team are three games away from winning the championship and qualifying for the Champions League. Before this deadline, the 23-year-old striker took stock of her great season and her ambitions.
A year ago, you left Metz, in D2 Women, to join Anderlecht. Why this choice ?
I had several touches in Italy and Spain. Then Anderlecht came with the opportunity to play the Champions League, which was a dream for me (she played in the play-offs at the start of the season, an experience which ended in a 0-3 defeat against Brann, Editor’s note). I also had good contact with the coach and I liked the project that was offered to me, that’s what convinced me. I’m having a great year and this confirms my choice.
Can you tell us a little more about the Belgian championship?
The level is a little lower than in France. There are three clubs, Anderlecht, Louvain and Standard which could compete with the top of the French D1 table. But Belgium is a small country, so there are quickly differences in levels with weaker clubs.
Did you think you would have such a season, with the title of top scorer and best rookie?
It’s a nice surprise and it coincides with the end of my law studies. This year was the first season where I could really devote myself to football. So it was a bit of a novelty and I felt that my level increased a lot. I feel very good in the team and it shows on the pitch.
It’s great to have a club like Le Puy which is having a good run in the Coupe de France. I was very happy for them
After your victory against Louvain (0-1), is the title now within reach?
There are three games left to play, we will have to be serious, but I have confidence. We have done everything necessary since the start of the season and we are on a very positive dynamic. So, there is no reason why we should not be champions.
A title that would lead you to play in the Champions League…
Exactly. We could play in the play-offs, like we did this year. We lost, but I have a feeling if we do it again next year it will be different. When I see our progress over the year, I tell myself that if we keep our squad, we have a chance of getting there. The objective will be to pass this stage and qualify for the pools.
Exactly, after your good season, are you going to stay in Anderlecht?
For the moment, I’m good there and I have a two-year contract. I’m having a great season, so there are offers. But the club trusted me and I want to repay it by having a second good year here. And then… we’ll see. I’m happy in Anderlecht so I don’t really want to leave.
This is your first experience abroad. What do you remember so far?
Going abroad is something I recommend, even if it’s for something other than football. It is an opportunity to discover another culture and to mature while being far from family and friends. I would like to do other countries later, like Spain or Italy or even the United States. This will allow me to travel, learn languages and football offers the possibility of doing this more easily.Amélie Delabre finished top scorer in the regular phase with 14 goals. Photo Maarten Straetemans
Is the United States a bit like every football player’s dream?
It’s the country that launched women’s football. Mentalities are different, the stadiums are full, the resources are superior. I have friends who have been there and obviously it makes me want to.
Closer to us, you are originally from Collat: what link do you keep with Haute-Loire?
I always come back for a week at Christmas and another in the summer. If I could come back more often I would, but it’s not easy with my daily workouts. That said, it feels good to come home and see my loved ones again.
Were you able to follow the journey of the Puy players in the Coupe de France?
I saw it and people talked to me a lot about it. It’s great to have a club like Le Puy Foot which is having a good run in the Cup. I was very happy for them. It’s a very good thing for the club and the region.
More broadly, what is your view on the development of women’s football?
When I was little, I was the only girl. Today there are many more and in all clubs there are women’s teams. It is a very good thing. There is also the fact that when we gain visibility, little girls can identify with female players, which makes them want to play football.
And what about in Belgium?
I think this is going in the same direction as in other European countries. I understood that there was a bit of a delay, but that is being caught up with enormous progress in recent years. The championship is becoming more professional and gaining visibility.
Visibility that could open doors for you, particularly in the French team, where you had selections as a youth?
That would be the Holy Grail and it’s my dream, but for the moment I’m not thinking about it because it’s still far away. I prefer to concentrate on my club. If I ever have the opportunity to go there it will be with great pleasure.
Guillaume Chorin
