“There has been some discontent from some supporters, which I understand. Afterwards, like any claim to be made, there is a form to put into it. Comments went beyond the framework of respect and it was something that I did not particularly appreciate. Quite honestly, I ignore this kind of thing, it’s not something that will reach me or that will be an additional Source of motivation. It’s over, I’ve moved on to something else. »
“Yes, there was frustration. We are in a situation that is not easy for anyone. We are keen to take points, we know our situation, we know that it is very difficult. Obviously, at the end of a match like this, where everyone gave their best, we did not manage to achieve the desired objective, namely victory. »
This means that “giving your best”, as you say, was still not enough. Is the team capable of doing more, of doing better?
“It’s a very subjective question. We are in a team sport, there are eleven players in each team. What we control is our individual performance. We cannot control the performance of a team. What we tried to put in place to wrap up the match in Amiens was pretty well done. We lacked realism, as was the case in the last matches. That’s what makes the difference, defensively and offensively. We can always do more, or less well, each match has its truth. »
You were very offensive, was it a personal initiative or instructions?
“It was a desire to contribute, while keeping as much balance as possible for the team. I’m still a central defender, but I wanted to take this little risk which might have allowed us to get this victory. It has to be done well, because we also risk putting ourselves in danger behind. »
In the absence of Xavier Chavalerin, you will wear the armband against Valenciennes. Is this an increased responsibility?
” No not at all. It doesn’t really change anything for anyone. We all try to make this small contribution to the team. The armband will perhaps allow me to speak a little more to the referees, since it’s complicated to do so lately. This may be the only thing that will change. »
Would you say that the match against Valenciennes is vital?
“There are three matches left, which we must consider as three finals. The stakes are very, very important for us, we must win it. Does that put more pressure? Yes and no. Is this a match like any other? Yes and no. We will have to play it to win it, like a final. »
Do you scrutinize the calendar of your direct rivals?
“We always keep an eye on what is happening nearby, but in our current situation, it is no longer necessary to look at what others are doing. To hope to maintain, you have to win the last three matches. This is what will keep us alive. If we win our three matches, we will be at 46 points. I think that will be enough for maintenance. »
You talk about winning three matches, but you haven’t won since March 9 (2-0 against Bastia). What did you manage to put in place with Alou Diarra to win two matches in a row (against Bordeaux and Amiens) that you are no longer capable of doing?
“Pfff, that goes back a long way… What commitments could you give me with certainty to win a match? »
With certainty, none, but put more intensity in your matches already, since you are talking about the final…
“More intensity!” If you ask about the athletic data, it’s been good. This is the success I was talking about earlier, being able to score one more goal than the opponent. If there’s a magic recipe, give it to me! I don’t have it. In any case, it will be a battle where it will be necessary to display a state of mind superior to that of the opponent, that can give you an edge. »
When the stakes are such, is it better to think about it or is it better to forget about it to avoid any excess pressure?
“Today, we are not dead, we obviously believe in it. We must be aware of what is at stake. There is pressure, you have to know how to use this pressure wisely, and transform it into good energy to win this match.
Have you ever faced this situation in your career?
” Yes. At the start of my career with Paris FC. We were relegated (to the National) at the end of this season, it was not easy to live with. As I get older, I manage emotions differently, because I think it mainly happens at that level; knowing how to handle pressure and reuse it wisely on the pitch. The key is there. We will make sure we give the maximum, which we have done in these last matches, against Pau or at Amiens. The content wasn’t bad. »
