Arriving this summer from Corsica and more precisely from the Bastia reserve, Evan Paulet is trying to grab as much playing time as possible in the face of fierce competition in front of him. However, the young striker feels good in the OAC squad and has big ambitions.
Objectif Gard: How was your arrival at the OAC?
Evan Paulet : At the beginning it was a little complicated because the coach didn't have any views on me because I was a little too young. So I had to show through my football that I had my place after a month of testing at the OAC. I ended up convincing the coach and the staff. And in the end I find myself here. I'm trying to get as many minutes as possible in National 3, even if it's complicated with the good quality of squad we have. But I know very well that one day my turn will come.
Exactly, what were your feelings during this pre-season?
We faced Montpellier Atlas Paillade, a very good match for me since I returned half an hour and I scored and delivered an assist. A good start for a player on trial. We then played against the OM reserve, it was a little more complicated, also with the context of the repechage or not in National 2. The coach wanted to put the standard team in anticipation of the championship the coming week. I didn't play much but I tried to show all my qualities to have the possibility of staying.
During your last Coupe de France match against Sussargues, you helped out as a left-back and even delivered an assist…
Basically, I came in to play number 9, but as we had made all our changes, I played as left back. I had the help of Biss (Dole Datoumcaroul) and Jérémy (Fahrasmane) who placed me because it was complicated, but in the management of the depth and the efforts I was 100%. I had to win and above all help the team, it's a position where I can play because as long as I'm on the pitch I'm happy. I make an assist to Rayane (Ekra) and what's more, we both reviewed a celebration!
Your first goal was in the Coupe de France against Calvisson with a header, a goal which must have pleased you?
To have scored my first goal in my new colors is an accomplishment of all the work I have been able to do during this pre-season. I am very happy and at the same time focused on the objectives with the team: to score as many goals as possible, never to have a slack time. I felt very happy and it freed me, I was also able to give Mickaël Fari an assist, I hope to score my first goal at Pibarot one day!
We feel a very good state of mind in training, with laughter and excitement, how do you feel in this squad?
I feel very good, we have a group that lives well and we all room together (smiles). We do lots of challenges: the one who loses in the shooting must pay for the can, the one who loses in the Banide game must bring the food the next day. It's good natured, we couldn't ask for better. The coach is also very accommodating with players like Lucas (Franco), Mohamed (Hamek)… It's great!
Pool J includes some big teams, but the OAC seems equipped to defeat them…
Yes, as we saw in the first two matches which we unfortunately lost. But if we put the right ingredients in while remaining consistent, we can beat any team. We have top quality players and with group cohesion that changes everything. The teams from the Coast are catchy and physical, but we can have a big season or even why not move up to National 2.
What is your personal goal?
The coach makes me wait but I'm young, that's normal. My goal is already to climb, as the whole team thinks. Personally, I would like to show my true level, score as many goals as possible, deliver the most assists, be consistent, get the most minutes and why not join the team as a starter or substitute.
Evan Paulet (right), decisive passer for his teammate Rayane Ekra (middle) • Sacha Virga
During the matches, the supporters are very active and create a lot of atmosphere. How do you see them from your point of view and how important are they to you?
I am a native of Marseille and I love OM and its fervor. I clearly think that the presence of the OAC supporters changes something and it makes us want to win for them. Seeing people like that behind a National 3 club is huge and I don't think that's the case in all of France, I almost have the impression of being at the Vélodrome (smiles). Against Aigues-Mortes in the Coupe de France I didn't think everyone was going to make the trip, I had a blast! For us, the group, it's good mentally and it pushes us to go find something. The Kop Cévenol Héritage is very close to us and we are very close to them, it is important to thank them for their presence.
Which players are you closest to in the locker room?
I get along well with everyone, but I am very close to Ali (Mouandhu), Hamza (El Koubaïti) and Wilfried (Baana Jaba). We like to laugh and fool around too much. Ali I have known him for a long time, we faced each other when he was in Montpellier in U19 and me in Bastia. To find him here and to share this season with him is an immense pleasure. Afterwards, as I live in Rieu, I am very close to those who are there like Yannis, Biss…
Any last words to conclude this interview?
Quite simply, go OAC!
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