Robert Beric : "The best team I have played with"

What do you think of AS Saint-Étienne’s current success?

We’ve been really successful right now. During our last 6 matches, we won 5 matches and tied one game. I hope that we’ll continue this momentum because we all have the objective of finishing as high in the rankings as possible. We have 4 matches remaining. If we remain concentrated, I think that we can win them all. We’ll see at the end of the season where we are. By extending my contract with ASSE last December, I wasn’t thinking about next season but it’s true that it would be really magical to play the Champions League with the Verts. It’s for this reason that we must remain concentrated.

Could the match that will be played this weekend be the turning point of the season?

I don’t deal with the results of other teams. I prefer to remain totally concentrated on our next match because I know that it’s going to be difficult. I’m going to have a real challenge with Monaco’s two central defenders but I’m ready, I’m going to fight. It’s only once we’ll have played our match that we’ll attentively look at Lyon’s results and the results of other teams.

How did you experience the change in the offensive lineup put in place by Jean-Louis Gasset?

All players want to play as many matches as possible but it’ also part of the job to know how to stay on the bench. My work is to be at the disposal of the coach and to respect his choices. Starting player or substitute I try to give my best during each match whether that’s playing 10 or 90 minutes. I don’t have the same qualities as Wahbi (Khazri) or Rémy (Cabella) but I do my best to defend and to bring everything I know to the team.

Do you think you’ve progressed since your arrival in Saint-Étienne?

I think I’ve progressed, especially thanks to my teammates. I know that my performances depend on them and this team is the best team I know. There’s a lot of quality and a real positive energy among the players. We all get along well and we’re competitors. Our state of mind is the base of our success.

Did your relationship with Jean-Louis Gasset count towards your progression and your decision to extend your contract with ASSE?

I have a very good relationship with Jean-Louis Gasset. I’m moreover surprised that he’s not among the coaches named for the UNFP trophies. It’s surely because the players don’t know him well enough, otherwise he would have been part of this list. Concerning the extension of my contract, my priority was to stay in Saint-Étienne no matter what happened. I feel well here, I like this stadium. This ambiance exists nowhere else. Between ASSE and me, it’s a love story.