Neven Subotic : "Two big deadlines"

How are you tackling the two matches that have been announced?

They’ll be two difficult matches, two important deadlines. I’m eager to play them because we’re going to measure our strength against that of two great teams in the championship. I’m very positive in regards of our calendar. There’s a great atmosphere when we play in Marseille, so I want to experience that up close.

Are you preparing for these matches like they’re two tests?

Even by winning the matches, nothing will be decided for the final rankings. For us, as a team, they’ll be two tests but after, there will still be other important deadlines. According to what I know, the Vélodrome has a great atmosphere. As Football players, we always prefer to play in full stadiums. And, in my career, I’ve had the chance to play in great stadiums. It’s the type of match in which I feel the most at ease.

Must the team tackle these two matches like challenges for the European Cup?

The biggest error that we could make would be to aim too high because, for the moment, nothing has been acquired. Unfortunately, we’re handicapped by a few injuries. For the moment, the season has been good, but I don’t think that we should change our objective. We haven’t yet met our first few objectives. When that’s the case, we’ll be able to aim higher.

What is your judgement of the season?

It’s now been a bit more than a year since I’ve been in Saint-Étienne. I’m very happy with my journey because I think I’ve been capable of helping my team. Individually, only some of our objectives can be obtained. Collectively, we get there more easily. I’m not the only one. Everyone has contributed.

Do you still have any after-effects or fears after the concussion you suffered in Bordeaux?

No, absolutely not. Two weeks after the match, I was in perfect health and I was able to resume training. During the two or three training sessions that followed, I was careful. After that, I didn’t think about it. We don’t have the time to be affected. I don’t have any particular fear.