How did you experience this first tenure in Ligue 1?
Frankly, it went well, I was not stressed. I am on a field so I have fun. I played my football. I listened to Nicolas Pallois, who guided me well during the match. Even Moses Simon up front chatted with me a lot. It’s pretty easy to play with players like that.
When did you know that you were going to be lined up from the start, facing Lille?
I only found out two hours before the game, at 3 p.m. Playing in my training club is a dream come true. We think about it [à cette première titularisation, ndlr] but you should not be too careful about it, either because opposite, there is Lille, the champion of France. But with the confidence acquired when I entered the Parc des Princes, I became more comfortable, I was able to communicate with the players more easily.
Didn’t you have any pressure?
Yes, I had some but it’s good pressure. She doesn’t freak me out with every ball I touch and I think I handled it pretty well.
You are also starting at a position that is not yours, that of left side.
It’s surprising but I have the capacity to play in this position. Young, I sometimes evolved left side in U17, U18 and U19 to help. Offensively, it’s not easy but I have the technical skills to play in this position. And defensively, it’s easier when you have a Nicolas Pallois next to you who leads you and who talks to you a lot. We have a strong bond.
What is your axis of progression in defensive tasks?
At first, I was too close to Nicola Pallois. Jonathan ikone [attaquant lillois, ndlr] came thrown which made me defend by retreating. It’s more difficult to defend against a player with such technical and percussive qualities. The coach therefore asked me to be closer to him and when you climb directly on it, it’s easier.
Would you see yourself playing this role over time?
I want to play. So if I can make a career in this position, I would (smile).
Were you impatient that you were finally allowed to play a whole game in Ligue 1?
No, I’m pretty patient about it. To be successful in this world, you have to be patient. I talked a lot with my father. Patience and daily work are the keys to success.
Last week, you entered during a match against PSG. What did you think about when you found yourself facing Messi?
Honestly, I didn’t calculate where I was, who was in front of me. I was just on a field, in my element. I had fun, I played my football. If I had taken into account that I was at the Parc des Princes, with Messi and Mbappé opposite, it would have been different.