Alexis Antunes (here against Braga, right), has gained volume. He is ready to grow even more this season.
BASTIEN GALLAY/GALLAYPHOTO
Earlier this year, sometimes Alexis Antunes walked on water. For two months, top performances with Servette and, as a reward, a first place on the picket line with Switzerland in March. In other words, the antechamber of the national team. Intrinsically, there is a 24-year-old player who has reached maturity, with a large running volume and an individual technique of infinite delicacy. Before the Servette-Lausanne derby this Saturday evening (6 p.m.), he is ready to shine.
However, he is still missing something: efficiency in the last gesture, the final pass or the finish. With his pure qualities, if he were already capable of regularly providing assists and scoring more than ten goals per season, he would already be in the Swiss team and playing abroad.
Last season, he had four successes and two assists. “I know that this is the area where I need to improve,” he says frankly. I’m undoubtedly having a good start to the season, but I still lack efficiency, yes, in front of goal or at the moment of the last pass. It bothers me a little. This is what people often tell me. But I don’t take it badly. I know there has already been progress. I also know that it will come and once it starts, it will continue. I have confidence, it doesn’t obsess me.”
His statistics still await a goal or an assist this season. To really launch it, in addition to its good performance. Will it be for Saturday evening against Lausanne? “I hope so, yes,” Alexis smiles. A derby is always special. I am 2000% motivated. I know it’s important, that you have to win. There is no hatred, not at all. But a rivalry with LS, who will be a bit of an enemy on Saturday evening. And then, we want to show the LS that the lake is Geneva.”
He laughs. He also realizes that Servette needs more consistency. “Perhaps, sometimes, take a little less risks, secure the defensive game a little more and be stronger in duels,” he said. A derby is ideal for showing all that.”
On a more personal level, Alexis Antunes would be wrong not to have ambitions. He is under contract with Servette until June 2026. It is a safe bet that contacts have already taken place between the player and the managers to discuss the future. And him? What does he say about it?
“Me, I’m focusing on this season,” he assures. To be efficient over time. I’m not thinking any further yet.” Really? Not even the Swiss team or an experience abroad?
“Of course the Swiss team is a dream for me,” he admits. Abroad too, I tell myself that an experience in Spain should be good. Or in Germany. But that doesn’t obsess me. I am focused on everyday life, my performances with Servette. We only have the championship this season to shine. It’s like that, but we all want to perform well, precisely for that.”
Eliminated in the Cup at Schaffhausen, feeling bad at GC (2-2), Servette must bounce back this Saturday, at La Praille, against Lausanne. The Garnets are aware of this, Alexis Antunes in the lead.
