Yannis Salibur: "As conquerors"

What lessons did you learn from the match against Stade Rennais (1-1)?

We did not create many openings to score. There were certain deficiencies. The match was going in our favour with their missed penalty kick, but you can’t scrap the whole system because some things don’t work. We fought on all fronts. After we lacked the little bit more drive needed to go further and win the match. We have to continue advancing. Places in the rankings are coveted. From one match to another, we can climb or fall very quickly in the rankings.

Does this tie game leave you with regrets?

Unconsciously, we retreated after the first goal was scored. That’s what hurt us because they had players between the lines that struck. Stephane (Ruffier) kept us in the match with two important blocks. Our instincts are coming back with time and we’re still getting to know each other. We can’t forget that we had just completed a great streak before the trip to Lille. The team was doing good. Keeping that in mind, we’ll be able to advance serenely to the next few matches. In order to win them, we’ll have to be more compact, more united than we were against Rennes. Together, we’ll be able to advance.

What is your judgement of the beginning of Nîmes’ season?
Nîmes is an aggressive team, a combative one. They demonstrate that they have honourable values. They fight at every match and their matches are enjoyable. It will be a match during which we’ll have to show what we know how to do in order to counter their willingness to fight. We’ll have to go there as conquerors. Playing them there twice? They’ll be two different matches in different competitions. We can’t go there with the idea that we’ll win easily. They’ve given great teams a run for their money. On their home turf they’re confident.

Are you satisfied with your debut wearing the jersey of the Verts?

I try to contribute a lot. I trained as much as possible during the break. I’m lacking a bit of consistency. In order to be decisive, you have to be consistent in the game. But, when you go after statistics, you distort the game. That will come with collective performances. Since the beginning of the season, I think I’ve improved. That doesn’t translate into goals or passes. Wahbi, Rémy, Loïs, Robert and me, we try to create openings to score. It doesn’t matter who scores as long as we win. I’m at the service of the team. Competition for the position? It’s true that there are several players who are available. We get along well and I experience the competition in a health way. We’re a jolly, happy group.