He looked a little wild-eyed in the corridors of the Allianz Riviera. And Yoram Zague, the young Parisian right-back, is not likely to forget this date of May 15, 2024 and the great victory of PSG in Nice (2-1). Not only was it his 18th birthday but, as a birthday cake, he received a start on the pitch from Luis Enrique. And since this cake was missing a cherry or a candle, Zague replaced it with a goal. His first, receiving a center from Bradley Barcola, among the professionals. Very close to him, when asked about him, the potter Arnau Tenas, smiled: “He is very kind, he is magnificent and he is a very good boy.” Faced with all these compliments, the hero of the day seemed almost intimidated.
How would you summarize your match?
Yoram Zague. I am very happy and very happy. I couldn’t dream of anything better than this tenure with my favorite club. And what’s more, I’m marking my eighteenth birthday. When I scored, it happened very quickly. I didn’t even celebrate the goal and went to the bench. Everyone congratulated me but afterwards the match continued.
What is your relationship with Luis Enrique who did not hesitate to give you tenure?
I thank him enormously. It’s rare to have a coach who doesn’t hesitate to trust young people. He makes me work to give playing time. At kick-off, I didn’t ask myself any questions. It was a match like any other and I told myself that if I was on the pitch, it was because I deserved it. It was only this morning before the match that I learned that I would be starting. That’s when the coach announced it.
“I am not used to playing in such stadiums”
How did you experience the atmosphere in Nice?
(smiles). I’m not used to playing in such stadiums. There was some noise but it didn’t necessarily destabilize me. And I think the whole team played a solid game, offensively and defensively. We tried to rectify what happened against Toulouse (1-3). Overall, it’s positive.
What are your personal goals now?
Work even more. I have reached a stage where I must continue to work to progress. You have to give your best.
