AS Saint-Etienne : “Etienne Green is reaping what he sowed” | ASSE News

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Goal ! : Jordan, what is the situation in Andrézieux?

Jordan Halaïmia: We continue training despite the particular context, we remain motivated. There was the Coupe de France in February (note: elimination in the 1/64 round against Chamalières). There has still not been a final decision on the N2 championship, so we are still waiting. But we do good training while waiting for a possible resumption of the championship.

In Andrézieux, you notably found Mathis Mezaber, another ex-Stéphanois …

Yes quite. It’s always nice to find players with whom we have played. Afterwards, he was not the only one I knew in the group. There were a lot of people.

Your coach, Romain Revelli, has announced that he is leaving the club. Are you disappointed?

Yes, because it is through the management and the coach that I was able to find a club, and not be left with nothing. Of course, it’s not nice to see him leave the club and it would have been good if he could stay. Afterwards, it is a sporting choice, he must have his own reasons.

This summer, your wish is to stay in Andrézieux or to find another challenge?

Honestly at the moment, it’s a bit hazy. We will see depending on whether or not the championship resumes as well. It’s difficult to say at the moment.

Last spring, you almost signed for AC Ajaccio … What had happened?

I had given it a try. I was to stay ten days. Coach Olivier Pantaloni wanted to see me. I started training but unfortunately felt pain and had to end the test. As they were in the rather quick search for a central defender, I returned home and they did not seek to see me again afterwards. What I understand.

Wasn’t this episode painful?

It was a disappointment, yes. There was also a good group, with a lot of young players. But I only retain the positive. It was nevertheless a good experience.

You mentioned last year that abroad could also attract you. It’s always like that ?

Yes of course. What I want above all is to have playing time, string matches, and have a coach who trusts me. I am not here to close doors, or prevent myself from going somewhere under the pretext that it is abroad.

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“I expected it, but it’s always a disappointment not to sign a first professional contract in his training club”

Ultimately, the goal is to play in the professional world?

Yes, of course. It is a goal that I set for myself and that I hope to accomplish soon.

ASSE had decided not to offer you a professional contract. How did you receive the news?

I expected it, but it’s always a disappointment not to sign a first professional contract in his training club. In addition, I am from Stéphanois. I had been playing ASSE since I was 9 years old. It left me with a touch of bitterness. But there is not just one club and the truth of one day is not the truth of the next day. So we don’t give up and we work!

Will the victory in Gambardella be your fondest memory under the green jersey?

Yes of course. Frankly, playing at the Stade de France, bringing my whole family back to Paris and winning this final, it was incredible. This victory in Gambardella will remain my best memory at ASSE. It will soon be two years. It passed quickly !

Do you still follow the Greens’ matches?

Yes, of course when I have time, I watch. Against Paris for example, these are always interesting matches to watch. And then, following ASSE matches also allows me to see some of my friends play. It’s really nice to see my former teammates in the first team, even if they’re not all there. I think of Tyrone (Tormin), of Victor Petit, of Abdoulaye Sidibé. To Baptiste (Gabard).

“I think Amen doesn’t have enough playing time in midfield. Too bad. He practically played sideways more and that’s not where he can show himself the most ”

From the victorious generation in Gambardella, with which players are you most in contact?

Especially with Nathan Crémillieux and Charles Abi. It was really our trio. I am also always in contact with Aïmen Moueffek, Tyron Tormin, and Mathis Mezaber of course, as we play together.

What do you think of Charles Abi’s season?

At first, what he lacked were mostly stats. Now he is able to move on. He scored three goals and delivered two assists. It’s good for his confidence.

Against Nîmes (2-0), Claude Puel aligned him on the right side. Is he more comfortable on the axis or on one side?

When I knew him at the time in U16, he played on one side and then the coaches repositioned him in the axis over the years. I think he is capable of performing well in both positions.

Many supporters believe that Aïmen Moueffek is not used enough. Are you of the same opinion?

Yes, I think the same. I think Amen doesn’t have enough playing time in midfield. Too bad. He’s practically played sideways more and that’s not where he can show himself the most. I understand the frustration of some supporters.

“Etienne, we all knew he had qualities. But it’s true that I didn’t expect it to come so quickly ”

Are you surprised by the services provided by Étienne Green?

No, I’m not that surprised, I’m mostly happy for him. Etienne was a bit in the shadows, but he always worked. Today he is reaping what he sowed. Etienne, we all knew he had qualities. But it’s true that I didn’t expect it to come so quickly, and above all he would. I sometimes chat with him from time to time.

What are its strengths and weaknesses?

His main strength is on the line. In training, when we were in reduced play, he proved it. His weak point may be the fact that he is a bit introverted. He’s really the guy we’re not going to hear too much about. But in matches, we hear him speak on the pitch, give voice and be reassuring in his cages. So I think he was able to put that aside.

And those of Stefan Bajic?

I played a few matches with him in N2 and during the Gambardella. What has always amazed me about Stefan is the fact that he is a hard worker. He works a lot on his kicking game, on his line … And he is very reassuring on the ground.

Which was the strongest among young people?

Stefan has always been number one, whether in Gambardella and even in N2. He has always been put forward while Etienne was the second choice or even the third behind Nathan Crémillieux. So it is certain that we could not really see Étienne in an ideal situation, where he had the confidence.

Do you see one of the two going on to start next season?

I think yes. They don’t have to blush in front of other guards. I hope the club and the coach will trust them. They deserve it.