How do you come out of such a match with such a bizarre outcome (30 minute interruption)?
“Obviously, extremely disappointed but not dejected, that is the watchword. There was no worst possible scenario. We know that with bad results, we must succeed in ignoring the context and remain united. And work even harder to reverse the trend. »
“Staying united is the most important thing”
How do you deal with this delicate start where you immediately put yourself in difficulty?
“We started badly, we conceded a goal. We knew it was going to be complicated because Le Havre is a team that defends very well in low blocks, they knew how to manage it, but we weren't able to create a lot of chances. We take a goal that is still avoidable. Now it's knowing how we're going to react, that's the most important thing. »
With this interruption, what is going on in your head?
“I don’t necessarily have a reaction to that. It’s the same everywhere, eh! We know that when there are bad results at clubs, the supporters are not happy. Afterwards, they expressed it in their own way. »
If you are told that your group lacks leaders, what do you think?
“Yes and no. Of course, with the bad results, we can think that but there are still leaders in the team. We have a strong, experienced group, so seeing us like this hurts our hearts because we want to give more, to show the best of ourselves and it doesn't work. From now on, you shouldn't talk too much, the most important thing is the pitch. We are going to focus on that and, above all, stay united together because that is the most important thing. When the results are not good and when it is difficult, the only ones we can rely on are our teammates, the staff. And we will move forward like this…”
“I don’t think we’re tourists”
Does the situation affect you when you see your supporters react like this?
“Personally, it doesn't affect me because I'm focused on results. It's complicated enough as it is to concentrate on anything else. Given the poor results, we are not going to expect to be applauded. That's how it is. We all put ourselves in this situation together, we will all have to get out of it together. »
This has been going on for years…
“Yes, it’s not from today. I'm in a good position to say this because I've been here for a while and the seasons are similar. Now what are we going to do next? We have to refocus on simple things, find a united group with only one idea in mind: winning matches. »
On a banner was written, “you are tourists”… Are you tourists or do you not know how to put an end to this negative spiral?
“I don't think we're tourists, after all, I'm inside. I know everyone is giving 100%, is affected right now. Whether it's the coach, the staff, the players, the president too. Everyone wants to do well. I didn't see this banner. But what the supporters are saying at the moment is normal because there are bad results. We will move forward with those who support us and we will be accountable at the end of the season. »
“We have to take points against everyone”
Over the last 16 meetings at Beaujoire, you have lost 13 times… Is it difficult, then, to imagine your ability to react?
“I say that and then there are the actions that will answer for all that. The situation is what it is, we cannot go back unfortunately. We know we weren't good at certain times. We always tried to give the best of ourselves even if, sometimes, it didn't go well. But we have this desire to stay united, to work together and to get out of this mess. Because no one will do it for us. It is up to us to face this adversity, all these well-founded criticisms. »
We say that your trainer, Antoine Kombouaré, will be in danger from now on…
“No, I don't think he's in danger.” In any case, he has the support of the whole team. He also gives his all. He is a coach who brings a lot to everyone. He has our full support. The only thing he wants is to get out of this situation. We have to give him time, the chance to get us out of all this. And we're all going to do it together. »
The problem is that the upcoming schedule is difficult (Paris, Rennes, etc.)…
“Yes but all the matches will be complicated. With all the respect I have for Paris, Rennes, big teams, we have to take points against everyone. It doesn’t matter who the opponent is, we play hard and we’ll see…”
