Neven Subotic: "Our strength is our experience"

How did you handle the international break?

The international breaks are the moments that I appreciate. I take advantage of them in order to work individually and it’s the same thing for the rest of the team. We’re not likely to have the time to personalize the training sessions when the matches are taking place one after another. The day when I no longer feel the need to work will surely be the moment to end my career (laughs). Even a player like Cristiano Ronaldo works all the time when he could content himself with the minimum. So, it’s a sign that it’s the right way to go.

What does ASSE’s ranking inspire in you?

Our ranking is quite good above all when you take into account the adversaries we’ve faced. We could have maybe scored more or conceded fewer goals and we maybe need a bit more regularity but with the quality players who’ve joined us I think that we have the team necessary for a good season.

How did you take the setback in Lille?

This match shouldn’t worry us because Lille only troubled us due to their unique assets.

Last season, we also conceded matches and we always managed to pick ourselves back up. You can’t think to change everything every time you lose. You simply have to learn what you can from this match and use what you’ve learned for the next match.

What is your opinion of your collaboration with Loïc Perrin as a central defender?

Our collaboration is functioning well. We know where our strengths and weaknesses are. Our strength is our experience, our ability to place ourselves well on the field and to anticipate our opponents quickly. Obviously, there will always be quicker wingers but that’s exactly why they’re strikers. I don’t know any defenders who are quicker than a striker.

What type of match are you expecting against Stade Rennais?

It will be interesting to see how we stack up to this team that has quality players and that does not have the rank they usually have at the moment. The two teams will set their sights on victory but its motivation that will make the difference. I’m sure that we have the necessary qualities to impose ourselves especially since we’re playing on our home turf.