Left free by ASSE after four seasons with the Greens, forward Zakaria Bengueddoudj (20), winner of the Gambardella Cup last year, hopes to find a new challenge that lives up to his ambitions. Interview.
Goal: Zakaria, ASSE decided not to keep you. How did you welcome the decision?
Zakaria BENGUEDDOUDJ: Honestly, I was not very surprised. I expected that because this season I haven’t played much.
Were you injured?
No. I was there all season. I did all the workouts. It was the coach’s choice. In my four seasons at the club, it was the most difficult, with the descent in addition. I had preferred the previous season, with the victory in Gambardella!
Will this Gambardella course be your best memory?
Of course. Playing at the Stade de France, winning this trophy, is the best for young people. But I also loved my first season at ASSE, in U17. We won the title and reached the quarter-finals of the Play-offs against Monaco. And I had 22 goals.
“Frankly, I gave it my all. After that, it stops there for me but that’s how it is, football. I don’t blame anyone. There is no resentment. “
Does your career at ASSE leave you with any regrets?
Not at all. Frankly, I gave it my all. After that, it stops there for me but that’s how it is, football. I don’t blame anyone. There is no resentment. On the contrary, I’m very proud to have worn this jersey.
You will remain a supporter?
Of course ! I was born here, I am from Rive-de-Gier. I was a supporter before, I will remain after. In addition, I played green at AC Rive-de-Gier, Olympique de Saint-Etienne and ASSE. I’m a Green! And when you support a club, it’s for life.
How do you see your future?
With the covid, it’s a little complicated right now. It does not make things easier. But I hope to find a good club, a club that will trust me, where I can play, show myself. I haven’t had a lot of playing time lately and it was frustrating. I miss it. Frankly, I’m hungry. I’m very hungry !
“I got on really well with Charles Abi. When he was on the right and I in the axis in U17, we put a lot of goals. There was Tyrone Tormin on the left and Bilel Benkhedim in 10. We had a blast. “
Which coaches counted most for you at ASSE?
In four years, I had Jean-Philippe Primard, Lilian Compan and Razik Nedder. It was with Coach Primard that I played the most. What I liked is that with him there are no statutes. He brought me a lot. He trusted me.
Who are you going to keep in touch with?
With a lot of people. In the 2000 generation, we all got along super well. But it’s clear that I’ll stay in touch with guys like Baptiste Gabard, Nathan Crémillieux and Jordan Halaimia. We’re friends.
On the field, with which other striker did you get along best?
I got on really well with Charles Abi. When he was on the right and I in the axis in U17, we put a lot of goals. There was Tyrone Tormin on the left and Bilel Benkhedim in 10. We had a blast.
And your most important goal for ASSE?
The one against Auxerre in the 1/8 round of Gambardella. We are led 3-1 when I get back to the 85th and I score at the 87th, taking a free kick from Bilel. After, Kenny Rocha Santos equalizes and we go on penalties. We saw the elimination up close that day. This is my most important goal, for sure. Especially when you know what you did afterwards.