At the threshold of the 13th day, he shares, with the Lillois Jonathan Bamba and the Marseillais Florian Thauvin, the first place of the classification of the passers (5). Blossoming in his game, Gaëtan Laborde is unanimous in Montpellier, 6th in Ligue 1 tied on points with Lille, 3rd, where everyone agrees to praise his generosity in the effort, his altruism or his head game. Before challenging the PSG this Saturday (9 p.m.), the 26-year-old Montois, approached by various foreign clubs (West Ham in particular), takes an enlightening look at a championship marked, this fall, by a renewed suspense and made pass some messages.
Do you have in mind to be able to overtake Paris if successful this Saturday?
GAËTAN LABORDE. It makes you smile and is a bit of an anecdote. Afterwards, we do not hide it, it is always rewarding to appear in the high part of the ranking. Many teams would like to be in our place.
Is this the right time to face PSG between two Champions League matches?
The good moment ? We’ll find out at the end of the match. Physical freshness may work in our favor. Paris is, in quotes, a bonus match. We believe in us. We will try to put, from the start, the necessary intensity. We will not play with the handbrake. We will give everything to win.
How do you explain that many clubs, for the first time in several seasons, are at this stage of the championship, able to challenge the supremacy of PSG?
The clubs in question have been quite successful in their summer recruitment and commit fewer missteps. It’s a little harder for everyone. The matches are more hooked. The management of the Covid and its consequences also come into play. Paris had a lot of injured or suspended among its executives. But hey, PSG are only two points less than in 2019 at this stage of the season and remain the leader. The championship is still long.
Personally, how do you see your start to the season?
I am relatively satisfied, even if I can improve some things and not stick to what I have learned. I have gained consistency, but I still have to be able to progress in this area to take a step forward. I am right. I won’t complain. I have good feelings and the team is doing well.
When, like you, you associate the goal with “a drug”, isn’t it a little frustrating to score less?
I missed a bit of success in front of goal and touched the uprights several times. Stats are important for an attacker. The goal gives pleasure. But a decisive pass too. As long as the team wins and offers good content, that’s fine with me. I am a competitor. I live to win, that’s what matters most.
Tell us about your relationship with Andy Delort, absent from Paris because of Covid …
This is the first time that I have formed such a bond with another attacker. When I signed, Andy wrote to me: “I’m glad you’re here”. We share the same mentality. We want to take Montpellier as high as possible. We know that we are going to strip each other, that’s the base, but also for the team.
Do you consider yourself to be recognized for your true worth?
Each at his level seeks the light. It will come from my performances. It doesn’t bother me. Here I feel wanted, people want your well-being. I have acquired a status. I grew up with this club.
Do you have the feeling that you are taking revenge against some of your former coaches, such as Jocelyn Gourvennec in Bordeaux in particular, who have expressed reservations about you?
I try to chart my course. The past always serves me to go higher. These delicate moments help me to put certain situations into perspective. Some did not believe in me, I have nothing in particular to say to them. They made choices. I respected them. I have my conscience for me. I never cheated. Michael (Editor’s note: Der Zakarian) give me his trust. He’s tough when he has to be tough, he faces it. And he knows what he wants and where he wants to go.
How do you see Corinne Diacre, your former coach in Clermont, harshly questioned by some players of the France team?
My loan to Clermont in January 2016 gave me a boost, reassured me about my level. After six months without playing or almost in Bordeaux, I was then able to chain matches. I thanked the coach. She had the right words. I say it besides, Corinne Deacon saved my career. If I had remained a year, inactive or almost, behind it would have been difficult to bounce back. Regarding the criticism to which it has been the subject, I am not within the France group. It can be tough and cash. With some it works, less with others. But she is fair.
