In a zone of turbulence for several weeks and even more since the Monegasque slap, last weekend, FC Nantes aspires to find a clear horizon. Whether in the league or in the European Cup. “We need a reference match“, underlines the coach of the Yellows, Antoine Kombouaré. It will take put in a top performance to try and falter the Bundesliga co-leader and midfielder Pedro Chirivella measures the step to climb. “We want to prove that the level we are currently showing is not ours“, launches the Spaniard. Easier said than done. Interview.
“Start doing simple things again”
What are your first impressions on arriving at this stadium?
They are very good. It’s a very beautiful place, a beautiful stadium. I think we’re going to have a very good atmosphere, it’s going to be a good match. I heard that there were going to be more than 2,000 Nantes supporters, it’s going to be fantastic to have our fans behind us tomorrow.
How do you feel physically?
I feel good, the pubalgia has been forgotten for a while. It is true that I had a complicated summer preparation. I didn’t take part in many training sessions and friendly matches, so the start of the season was complicated, but there I feel ready to chain meetings now.
How do you plan to bounce back after the slap received in Monaco?
We forgot about this match after Monday’s meeting where we talked to each other, we said things to each other, it’s up to us to react on the pitch. It was good for us, now we have to bounce back without forgetting what we did wrong, like our start to matches, so as not to repeat them. We will have to be attentive, strong against a team, Fribourg, which generally starts the matches very strongly. We want to improve things and prove that the level currently displayed is not ours.
What areas of progress have you identified?
It’s necessary start doing simple things again, win duels, second balls, be more compact. Nothing smiles on us at the moment and you have to be strong. Tomorrow, we will have to play a very big defensive match and, if we manage to do so, we will have possibilities to attack.
“We came with the ambition to win”
Do you consider that Freiburg is the favorite of this meeting?
They are favourites. They are making an exceptional start to the season. They are still first after eight Bundesliga games, they are also first in their European Cup group so yes, they are.
While you are going through a complicated period in the league, do you think the Europa League could represent a breath of fresh air?
We put the championship aside because our next match, tomorrow, is against Freiburg in the Europa League. We came here with the ambition to win, to qualify and even if we know it will be difficult we will do everything to.
How do you judge your complementarity with Moussa Sissoko in midfield?
We didn’t play much together, after that it’s like the whole team. You can’t just make the effort in midfield. It’s the same in defense. It’s the whole team that must help and I hope that is what we will try to do tomorrow.