To finish the year in style, Sportweek you to find the best interviews published in "Sport" since September. Today, up to Yoann Gourcuff.
Playmaker Bordeaux and the team of France, Yoann Gourcuff has a little experience matches cleavers. He knows where he puts his feet.
INTERVIEW Released November 13
When is this shirt is what one feels the weight of his legacy?
Yes. It is a jersey that has a history of great players have worn. When one puts it, it makes you want to be equal to this story. The shirt is one of the strongest symbols of the France team.
What did you feel when you scored your first shirt?
Pride. I was very happy. It made me want to push myself and help with the France team is a match.
What have you done?
I gave my parents.
This new jersey is special, it looks like those of 84 and 98. Golden generation?
(Laughter) I was born in 1986, so that in 1984, I know less. But I followed the whole course of the Blues in 1998. The team impressed me and motivated me to become a top level player.
For you, it's even more special because the players were emblematic of playmakers: Zidane and Platini. This affiliation bother you does it?
These are two great players that have marked French football. Admittedly, I move the same position but they do not want to pressure me and compare me to them. I am early in my career. Zidane and Platini are judged on their entire history ... And I do not like comparisons. It is an exercise which engage the media, but not me. What drives me is the desire to play well, have fun and participate in developing the game for my team.
Which of these two players do you like most?
Each style in travel, technology and driving the ball. There may be similarities but they are the observers who fall. Again, Zidane and Platini are unique and I do not compare. I am in search of personal growth without reference to my elders. While I admire greatly.
What do you like most about the position of leader: mark, mark making, organizing?
I like the organization of the game, have influence and make my teammates play. Touching the ball and distribute. In my position and my travels, I always try to
give opportunities to my partners.
You think becoming an executive at the Blues?
Not at all. I am early in my career, I count fourteen selections. I did not have enough experience in France team to be considered as a framework. I am looking for this international experience. I am always very proud and happy to be called, I give up on the ground and I remain positive on the outside.
You have become a leader ...
I do not consider myself a leader. I am shy and reserved. I am a player group, which seeks to fulfill its role.
In the absence of Ribery, you will be custodian of the game for these dams ...
Not entirely. I know my role and I assume. But the responsibility of the game is for each player on the team. As a midfielder, I have a pivotal role. Like other media, I must defend and support the attacks. Football is collective, the animation is not based on one man but the group. What matters are the movements relative to each other. The animation is collective.
You were absent from previous games, what did you think of the game of the France team?
The results were very positive (Ed.: victory against the Faroe Islands and draw in Serbia). It is important for the group because it gives confidence. This experience is very positive.
The team is really born at the rally?
I was away so it's difficult to answer. But I think the strength of a team comes in as and shared experiences.
Why the Blues do they need to be cornered to react?
We give the best of ourselves to each match. This is not really being in a difficult situation. As in all sports, being cornered, it puts pressure and it forces them to react. Since the beginning, I give myself thoroughly and it's the same for all. There were good things since the beginning of the qualifications and must be assessed. Otherwise, we are working to improve. Now, do not underestimate our opponents. They are often over-motivated when they play us. The France team is a team to beat.
How to address these barriers?
With a lot of motivation. I want to please me too, like everyone else. I hope it will be OK.
What to fear from Ireland?
I have not seen much play. But it is a very good team that has lost any match in a tough group which included when even Italy. It should not be taken lightly. They are confident. Like most teams Anglo-Saxon, they are
great intensity in the game, a lot of pace. They like duels and physical impact. They can count on a public hot to go to Croke Park.
How to play Ireland in relation to Romania and Serbia?
It is difficult to compare. Each team has its own style of play they will save us a lot of pressure to go. Everything is possible in two games like that. There are more than
hierarchy on dams. Everyone will have to give back, the Blues will be motivated and united.
Since your injury, you hardly find the rhythm. After Munich, are you reassured?
That's true but it is often the case after an injury. It takes a little time. I am not yet back to where I was last year or early in the season but I
working hard to get there. The match against Bayern reassured me because I worked hard.
Qualification for the knockout is gained in the Champions League. In what areas have you grown?
We all grew in the club. The team has gained experience internationally. I stayed in Bordeaux for a sports project and I am pleased that the results are the ambitions. The champion has brought us much confidence. I think I gained a lot of serenity in the preparation. I also learned a lot about the technical staff with the Gironde. But I can still improve.
The new taxation of athletes Could you grow from the end of the season?
No. I have not chosen to remain on financial considerations. It is the athlete who has always taken precedence. I do not think about my future right now. I'm on the challenges that await me with the team of France and the Girondins. I have enough goals ... I think next season later, but the financial aspect will not dictate my choices.
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