“I can’t afford to close doors for my future”

Foot Mercato: how did you experience the descent from Clermont?

Mehdi Zeffane: we had an extremely complicated season with Clermont. We didn’t leave the red zone once in the championship. We did not know how to do what was necessary to be able to keep the club in Ligue 1. We are disappointed because the club was in full development and we would have liked it to stay in Ligue 1 so that it could installed for several years.

To read
Tottenham: Emerson Royal’s big outing at AC Milan

FM: What did you lack to keep you going?

MZ : We lacked a lot of discipline. I think that’s one of the first things we missed. Within the group, in everyday life, as well as on the pitch, we lacked a lot of discipline. Also lucky at times. Where last year it was a post, this year it was a post. So that’s part of it too. But the first word that comes to me is rigor and discipline to be able to maintain oneself. And also concentration to be able to make the efforts collectively. But hey, I obviously put it in the discipline in the broad sense, where we fished to be able to play full matches. This is everything we missed to be able to stay in Ligue 1, quite simply.

FM: From a personal point of view, what assessment do you draw from your experience in Clermont more generally?

The rest after this ad

MZ : I was very satisfied with last season. We managed to make club history in my first season by finishing 8th in the standings. All while having magnificent results, by going to win at the Park, by going for great results outside. Unfortunately, things went badly this season. I was still able to have playing time, express myself and then get to know Clermont even better. I never cheated, I always gave the best of myself during my time at Clermont. I wish the club the best for the future.

“I never gave up”

FM: you who had disappeared from the radar abroad, it must also be a great success to have been able to show that you were still at the level to play in Ligue 1.

The rest after this ad

MZ : indeed, I had gone abroad for some time. It did me good to come back to France. I wanted to do it, I wanted to find a Ligue 1 project, so the Clermont project appealed to me immediately. Regarding my level, I had no doubts. I knew that once I was ready, I had to go and show what I still know how to do in Ligue 1. I didn’t have too much doubt about that. Now, my time at Clermont did me good to put myself back in the spotlight, to put my name back in Ligue 1 and get people talking about me again.

FM: you were also able to show that you could be very useful on a project lasting several years…

The rest after this ad

MZ : yes, for that, I am happy with my time in Clermont. All this being linked to the club’s project which was to help it maintain itself and stay at the higher level. Unfortunately, it went badly this year, but of course I was happy to join Ligue 1, certainly.

FM: For a long time, you fought to stay with Olympique Lyonnais. You were born in the suburbs of Lyon, you played your first minutes in Ligue 1 with OL. What is your relationship with OL and do you still follow club news?

The rest after this ad

MZ : of course, I always follow club news. I am still in contact with people who have been at the club for years. It’s a pleasure to be able to play against Lyon, to see former colleagues again, former people who work there. I have a lot of respect for this club which trained me for years and I will follow it constantly.

“Algeria? I’m ready”

FM: During your career, you were often pushed aside before coming back to the forefront (Lyon, Rennes, Russia then Clermont, no club). Where do you get this strength of character and do you think it can still serve you at 32?

MZ : It’s my nature. I think my driving force is to never give up while having fun on the field. A career is short, so you have to give it your all while you’re still in the spotlight. It’s true that in Lyon, I had the chance to take the plunge, to play some great matches, to take part in some great competitions, whether it was Ligue 1, the Coupe de la Ligue, the Coupe de France or the Europa League. Then, with Rennes too, where I had the chance to win a title, to also participate in the Europa League. We had such a historic journey for the club at that time. It’s true that I also had slightly more complicated times where I was six months without a club. Despite this, I never gave up. As I told you, my driving force is to always work, always believe in it. And when I’m put on the field, to show what I can do. Now, at 32, like you said, I know I’ve gained some experience that I’m trying to put into practice on the pitch and in the locker room.

FM: You also experienced great moments with Algeria.

MZ : with Algeria, I also had the chance to win one of the best competitions that exists with the CAN in 2019. We had an exceptional journey. It will remain engraved forever. We also made history at that time. As I repeat, the course was truly breathtaking. When we look at all the meetings we had during this CAN, it was something really great at all levels. I was also lucky enough to be able to participate greatly in this competition. So, I’m proud of it.

FM: Is this the best memory of your career?

MZ : it’s the best. I was lucky to have very good memories. The course, the way it unfolds…it smiles on us from start to finish, whether for me or for the team. It made me proud, as well as my family and all the Algerian people. It allowed me to learn a lot about myself. It’s not easy to replace a player like that in the middle of a competition, especially at such a level.

“For my future ? I am open to everything.”

FM: you haven’t been called up for Algeria since the end of 2021. Do you continue to believe in it?

MZ : Wearing the Algeria jersey remains and will remain an honor for life. I think as long as we play and we can show ourselves, we hope to go there. Afterwards, the coach makes his choices. But we are always ready just in case.

FM: What is your view on the current selection with Vladimir Petkovic and with a new generation who will have to prove everything?

MZ : I have no doubt that Algeria will do great things in the coming years. We have to let things fall into place with the new coach. Algeria is first in its group for qualifying for the next World Cup. There is a new air that is taking hold. There are young people arriving, older people who are no longer necessarily called. The Algerian Federation is working well. We were able to bring back a lot of dual nationals, which will strengthen the squad. I hope we will do great things.

“I have concrete interest from a club in Saudi Arabia”

FM: your former friend Yassine Benzia has also been back in the forefront with Algeria. Can this be an example for you?

MZ : in a selection, generally the groups remain the same. Depending on each person’s form, some are recalled and still have everything to prove. It happened to players I know very well with Algeria. I’m very happy for them. Obviously it inspires me. I would be just as motivated to show that I like to defend the colors of my country. This involves major club performances beforehand.

FM: you are at the end of your contract in a few days. Do you have a plan in mind for your future?

MZ : From experience, I have already been without a club, I don’t want to go through that again a second time. I’m at the end of my contract, I’m going to leave the club. I can’t afford to close doors. I would be just as happy to stay in Ligue 1 as to take on a challenge abroad. I am very attentive to what is happening in the Gulf. There are more and more attractive championships, it makes you want it. But I remain open to everything.

FM: you mentioned it: in recent months, Saudi Arabia has become a more than attractive destination, could you like that as a challenge with the prospect of finding a religious, sporting and financial balance?

MZ : It would make me think, that’s for sure. I will also stay at a high level, because very good players play there. This is something that can tip the scales. I don’t just look there. I just want to play at a high level and have fun on the pitch. I have concrete interest from a club in Saudi Arabia. I give myself time to think.

FM: Is finding a club before summer preparation a necessity for you? Do you have a deadline?

MZ : I will wait until I make the right choice. It is very important to prepare with a new club to acclimatize as best as possible. To better prepare myself for the seasons that are coming with the club. I don’t have a deadline. I wish it didn’t take too long either.