SM Caen. Anthony Mandréa: “I want to have fun”
By Benjamin Forant
Published on
After the announcements of the non-extension of Rémi Riou and the loan of Sullivan Péan, it was certain that the Caen Malherbe Stadium (Calvados) was going to recruit a new porter. The club has set its sights on Anthony Mandreanew 25-year-old Algerian international.
How is your arrival at SM Caen?
Everything is fine. I discover the city, the club and the infrastructures and I was very well received.
You have just finished the stage in Deauville*. What is this type of scene for the goalkeepers?
The objective of a preparation for us goalkeepers is to garner confidence. We have adapted, specialized sessions, which allow you to continue working while remaining in contact with the group. We also continue to work on the physical.
Why did you choose Stade Malherbe after your good end to the season in Angers?
Even though I’ve played around ten starting matches in Ligue 1, I don’t claim to consider myself at the same level as a Ligue 1 goalkeeper who has 200 or 300 matches of experience. I want to continue on my source. Caen was the right project among the offers I had. I don’t consider it a regression to come and play in Ligue 2.
“In Angers, I had to take my chance”
Tell us a bit about your end of season in Angers. Number 3 in the hierarchy at the start of the season, you finished the exercise in ten consecutive starting matches. How did you experience it?
I had no choice. I absolutely had to respond. The team was in trouble, I felt I had to take my chance and respond in the best way possible. Playing these 10 games made me understand that I wanted to play, to start. Above all, I want to have fun.
How do you approach Ligue 2, a championship that you will discover? Which teams are you looking forward to facing?
Each team is unique. We will not make the mistake of taking games lightly. There is no particular team that I want to face, it would leave room for stress that is not welcome. We just want to make the fans proud.
“I am very present vocally”
For Malherbe fans who don’t know you yet, how would you describe yourself as a goalkeeper?
I am very present vocally, sometimes too much. I give my maximum to every action of the match. With modesty of course, I am dynamic, and explosive on my line. I think I have decent footwork.
In addition to your signature, Caen recorded the arrivals of Romain Thomas and Emmanuel Ntim in defense. Is the objective of the season to be extremely solid, at the Ajaccio stage last year to claim a climb?
We don’t want to copy anyone, we really want to develop our own style of play, defending as a team. Obviously, defense is a central point. If you defend well, you don’t concede. If you don’t take a but, you don’t lose.
“The selection is unforgettable in a lifetime”
A few weeks ago, you celebrated your first selection with the Algerian team. How did you feel about it?
It was the icing on the cake. In Caen, we represent a city. There, it’s a whole country. That’s wonderful. Unforgettable in a lifetime. This is the goal of almost all players. To get back there, you have to play, and do it well. I hope to be able to do it in Caen.
What can we wish you for this season?
Be happy and fulfilled every day. And give everything for this club.
*Interview conducted on Friday July 8.
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