“I've been waiting for this goal for a long time! », Pablo Pagis finally opens his counter for Lorient

What does this first goal at Moustoir represent in your young career?

I've been waiting for it for a long time… It's been on my mind since the start of the season, so I'm really happy tonight! I don't really know how I mark it, it goes so quickly. I play in support of Tos (Aiyegun Tosin), I catch the ball and it goes deep. I was cramped too! The ball was going fast this evening on the field, but I took the time to arm my shot well.

This goal also rewards a great overall performance which should satisfy you?

I'm happy with this second half especially. I had more trouble in first grade. But this match rewards my start to the season. I was injured and I knew how to come back and regain my place.

Did scoring last weekend in the Coupe de France unlock anything?

Yes, I think it's not trivial. It's often like this: when I manage to score first, then it continues. I had prepared well for this match and I was rewarded. It's a real relief tonight.

Isn't it frustrating for a creative player like you to play against teams grouped in defense like Troyes tonight?

It took us a while to find the spaces. At first, I was more to the left and I moved to the right when I saw that it wasn't settling. Lolo (Abergel) gave me two or three, which allowed us to move further forward. It's up to us to find the solution when it doesn't work. We knew how to be patient and I think we had a good match.

Does your repositioning in the middle of this new 4-1-4-1 system also contribute to your influence on the field?

It's true that I feel good in the middle, where the coach (Olivier Pantaloni) gives me my chance. I like serving my teammates, I have a good understanding with Tos (Aiyegun Tosin), with Sambou (Souamano), with Junior (Kroupi). I like to produce good balls and be involved in the organization of the game. This position allows me to do all that. So if I also manage to be decisive, that’s magnificent!

Have you changed anything in the approach to your matches this season?

In my game, I put more desire and determination. Maybe I wasn't putting in enough before, which prevented me from getting into my matches well. Since I came back from injury, I put a lot more intensity into my matches, and that's what allows me to perform better. I have to stay with this in mind to help the team as much as possible.

Is this the real start of your professional career with Lorient, after two loans in Ligue 2 (to Nîmes in 2022-2023 and to Laval last season)?

I have been fully launched since the preparation. I started the season telling myself that I had to perform in my training club. I want to do great things here. I have to continue this momentum, try to be as decisive as possible to help the team. This will come by itself with work.