From Rome to Lyon. In a few months, Nemanja Matic’s career took an unexpected turn. During the summer, he negotiated with Stade Rennais behind AS Roma’s back. Which José Mourinho, who brought him to the Italian capital, did not appreciate. Despite everything, the Serb was able to reach Brittany. But he didn’t really like it there, just like his family. This is where Olympique Lyonnais entered the scene. Indeed, the 35-year-old footballer was David Friio’s big priority in the midfield. Despite long and tough negotiations, the OL sporting director completed the transfer of the former Chelsea and Manchester United player during the month of January. And for the moment, we can say that he had a hollow nose.
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Author of 6 matches in all competitions under his new colors, he started each time, except in the Coupe de France against Lille. He was in for 27 minutes. For the rest, the Serbian brings his experience and his incredible serenity to his team. Technically precise and often correct in his choices, he is a real plus for Lyon. He is also a valuable help for Maxence Caqueret, more liberated and much better since he played alongside Matic. For the moment, everything is going perfectly for the native of Vrelo, who has not experienced defeat with Les Gones. Enough to make Matic smile, who presented himself at a press conference this Friday. The opportunity to look back on his last turbulent weeks.
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He began by talking about his departure from the SRFC. “It’s pretty simple, honestly. Rennes is a very good club, especially for young players. I felt very good there, the welcome was excellent. The only problem is that I have three children who are used to international schools. That was the only obstacle, and I couldn’t concentrate on my work. That was the only problem for me, but family is my priority. During the negotiations, I was assured that there was an international school, but it was during the holidays, so I was not able to contact it. At the start of the school year in September, it was a bit surprising, but it’s behind us now.”
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Well settled in Lyon with his family, he is happy. “The life of a football player involves a lot of travel, but that doesn’t bother me. Everyone has welcomed me here in a very positive way, and I want to thank everyone. It’s a big club, and walking around town, you can see the love the Lyonnais have for the team. The city is very nice, and I’m happy to be here.” He does not regret his choice, even though he joined a tough and fairly poorly ranked club. But that didn’t scare him. Quite the contrary. “When I arrived, the club was going through a difficult period, but I felt that Lyon was the right club for me at that time. It’s the right project for me.”
Matic talks about his beginnings
He pursues : “I understand the question, and I know there is always a risk. We take risks every day, even when we drive to work. I am convinced that I made the right decision.” Lyon too. His arrival improved the team. But Matic does not want to pull the cover on him. “It would be unfair to say that it was me who transformed the team and its game. In the first match against Marseille, we managed to win, and this positive energy was felt in the locker room. A positive atmosphere is created when results are good, especially at a big club. I try to do my best, to do my job as I did in my previous clubs. »
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He added : “I’m happy to see that I’ve adapted well here, but I think I can still play better, as can the team. For us, the main thing is to win points. Very modest, Matic also spoke of his beautiful relationship with Maxence Caqueret. “I met him a month ago, and I feel like he’s a great person. People like him a lot, and on the field he is very talented. I try to help him every day with my experience. Working with a gifted player is easier, and I feel very good with him on the pitch, just like with the other players. It’s a high-quality team.”
A great relationship with Caqueret
As with Caqueret, the Serbian brings his experience to the whole group. “In the team there are a lot of young players, some are 15, 16, 17 years younger than me. So, I’m the veteran. The nice thing about my situation is that I can help them. It’s easier when they have talent, and that’s the case here. I am here to help them, but I also have to stay focused on my game. During the matches, I have to think above all about myself, what I am doing, what the coach expects of me and also to help the young people. I know my job well and I know what I have to do.” Especially since the 35-year-old wants to do everything to help OL finish the year well.
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“We know that the championship is difficult, all the teams have qualities. I’ve been in Ligue 1 for 7 months, and I understand that this championship is difficult. We cannot promise a fifth, sixth or seventh place. Every match is a final for us. Currently, we are only thinking about the match against Lens. We know they have qualities. Every match is important, we cannot guarantee our final position, but we can promise to do our best. This will be his objective, like that of OL on Sunday against Lens. “We can promise that we will do our best and fight until the end to win the three points. We have a lot of respect for the opponent, but we are also aware of our qualities and we will use them. And we can trust Nemanja Matic, who has proven that he has a lot of qualities in Lyon!
Pub. 03/01/2024 2:01 p.m. Updated 03/01/2024 3:37 p.m.
2024-03-01 13:01:24
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