Back from a fruitful international break for him, with a goal and above all a record of selections, Aïssa Mandi is fully focused on the sporting challenge of this LOSC – Renneswhich will also be an opportunity to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the northern club.
Aïssa, how did your truce with Algeria go?
“That’s nice of you to ask (smile). It was very good. It was a bit special since we didn't have much to play for having already qualified, even if we had to secure first place (in the qualifying group for CAN 2025). We drew (0-0 in Equatorial Guinea) and won in Tizi Ouzou (Algeria) 5-1 (against Liberia), so it was quite a good international break.
Congratulations for your goal and your record number of selections (103). Does it mean anything to you to be the most capped in the Algerian team?
Obviously, it would be a lie to say that it doesn’t do something. I'm not chasing records, I never imagined reaching this number of caps and being the most capped Algerian player. But it shows a lot of consistency, work and sacrifice. I take it. It’s something that is pleasing and demonstrates the work done over all these years. Is this an additional responsibility? I don't think so. I think I have a lot of responsibilities in selection. I am one of the oldest and most experienced, I must support the new generation and put my experience to good use.
How do you manage the importance of the match itself and the LOSC anniversary?
In all honesty, we are in our bubble, we remain focused on our objective which is Sunday's match. The festivities are an important moment for the club. It's still 80 years, there will be a lot of things. But it’s not something that “concerns” us. If the match goes well, we will have time to celebrate the club's 80th anniversary. For the moment, we are in our bubble and we are not thinking about that.
Having played as a right-back behind Edon Zhegrova in recent weeks, do you have the feeling of having the same electric relationship as between him and Tiago Santos?
I try to give Edon a lot of advice when I play behind him. With me, things have always gone well. With Tiago (Santos) too, I think. They are two players with strong character, but I don't think it's electric. These are two players who want to do well, to show themselves, to help the team. Sometimes this can happen. Like me with other players. It's not a problem. I have not had and will not have any problems with him in the future.
How to approach this match against Rennes, who has just changed coach?
We remain focused on the match, which is our objective. We are in our bubble, we prepare well for training with those who are returning from selection. The coach has his plan. Rennes is a very good team in our championship, with a big transfer window and big ambitions. It will definitely be a difficult match. The coach is not a novice, he knows how to prepare for this kind of match. We trust him completely. »
Comments collected by Enzo PAILOT, in Camphin-en-Pévèle
Photo credits: Philippe Lecoeur/FEP/Icon Sport
