“I love the game more than scoring goals”

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You are a starter more often than a substitute but have participated in 11 matches over the first 12 days. How are you experiencing this start of the season?

I’m quite happy because the coach trusts me, he counts on me. I started the season at the forefront, when Alex (Mendy) was in discussions about his future. It didn’t go very well, the team was in trouble, me too. We didn’t have the possession, nor the results. I was then started in 10 at Red Star (2-2) then on the left of midfield against Bastia (2-0). I don’t mind changing positions. As long as I’m on the pitch, I’m happy.

During your career, you have always been a center forward. Had you considered moving back into the field?

I am above all an attacker. I like to score, I want to score, that’s my number one quality. But I love the game even more, beyond scoring goals. I prefer to be a starter in the middle than a substitute in attack.

“Alex (Mendy) is unbeatable”

With five substitutions authorized, is this notion of holder still important to you?

Of course. We feel more invested. Substitute, we can sometimes be frustrated. You have to perform well with little playing time. The ultimate goal of any player is to be a starter. But you shouldn’t be narrow-minded. Here, there is a great striker, Alex (Mendy). He is unbeatable. We have to adapt. It’s good to be rewarded when you make good entries, it proves that everyone has a chance. The coach knows how to put himself in the players’ shoes. He knows that if you never start, you can become demotivated.

How do you adapt to the different positions you find yourself in?

Playing on one side, like on Saturday, was completely new to me. The coach spoke to me about it during the week. He told me that I could show off my technique there. That’s what I love: keeping the ball, having possession, making the opponent run. Afterwards, you have to use the qualities of each person. It’s certain that if they throw me in depth, it’s going to be complicated (smile). We have a great squad, maybe next time, the coach will need more depth players.

You have often been hampered by injuries during your career. Do you see your stay in Caen as a second career?

I have already started this second career in Auxerre and Dijon. But it’s true that it’s the first time that I’m not an indisputable starter. I came as an understudy and I have to make my place. My age means that I must also be an executive in the team. I am invested despite limited playing time. It suits me because I like football. I will stop when my body tells me to stop or when no one wants me anymore!

“Ligue 1 remains a goal”

Do you consider the team to be revived after its two victories against Martigues (3-0) and Bastia (2-0)?

We always have to confirm but this gave us a good boost. We must keep this confidence. It’s always better to go to Metz after two victories. The season is still very long. In my career, I have known quite a few clubs who got off to a bad start but then “broke” everything during the return matches. Last season, we were 16th in December before falling just one point short of the play-offs… Ligue 1 remains a goal for me. I came for this. This club deserves to be in Ligue 1 or at least to play the leading roles.

League 2, 13th day : Metz – SM Caen, Saturday November 9 (8 p.m.).

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