How do you pass on your experience?
The person must listen. At Stade Rennais, we come across intelligent players who are. The good thing is to see the result after giving some advice. In general, young people realize that with better positioning, it is easier to recover balls. Words, when they become advice, can carry a certain weight. Conversely, I like sharing with Steve whose experience is enormous. If we want to progress, we have to know how to listen.
You have always been in competition since your arrival, but your playing time has always been significant. Does it stimulate you?
I’m a competitor, I don’t like being on the bench. I want to play and I do what it takes to be able to play. A club like Stade Rennais has always had good players, so you have to do what it takes to be a starter. When you are good, there is no reason to be questioned. You have to be the best but the competition must be healthy, you have to think about the good of the team.
Looking back, would you be the same player without this one-year stint in Germany?
It was exceptional and enriching. I wanted to stay there but the opportunity to join a good French club presented itself. I jumped at the chance but it wasn’t the initial desire. It valued me as a player because this year with Friborg was very good, it was a very good experience. As I said, I go by feeling, he was very good with Stade Rennais and that’s why I came back to France.
What are your current feelings?
Today I play. As long as it’s like that, it’s good (laughs).
Has your role as an environment changed over time?
Systems and structures change. The position is evolving, I play as a sentry, or with another flat 6, or a little higher in an 8, you have to adapt. Since I started, there has been an evolution. Today, the 6 is a 10 back, it plays more of the game. At the time the 6 was confined to recovering the balls, now, we must be recovering, restarting, almost everywhere…
With a role of taking the temperature, and of barometer, to set the tone…
Yes, midfielders often dictate the tempo, between playing quickly, choosing between possession or recovery times. Good pressing from a midfielder can also condition the game.
What are your references for this position?
Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard inspired me. The one who played a role in my progress was Bryan Bergougnoux. He was the big brother who gave lots of advice. When I arrived in Angers, Thomas Mangani also gave me a lot. Two players for me who were underrated.
What is your best game in Rennes?
I would choose Milan at home last season, a top match where there was a big riot of energy.
When do you know the match will be good?
It’s collective. You can miss your first pass but if the team is in it, you can refocus very easily.
Related News :