Jérémie Bela (Clermont Foot) before the reception of Toulouse: “Play our game, be us”
Originally from Melun, 29 years old, Jérémie Bela has for him a real experience of French and European football. Passed in particular by Dijon, where he rubbed shoulders with a certain Johan Gastien, then left for Albacete (Spanish Liga2On), the Angolan attacking midfielder arrives from Birmingham (Championship, 2nd English division). The opportunity for a family reunion which was particularly useful to him, Coupled with a certain attraction for the Clermont project.
Jérémie, how was your arrival in Clermont?
“There was contact between my agents and Philippe Vaugeois (head of the recruitment unit, editor’s note) whom I have known for quite a few years, who knew me when I was young. It was what I was looking for: to return to France, in a family club, which plays football, with a good group, stability. It happened quite quickly. Both sides were ready to start the adventure together. »
Clermont Foot: first in the group for Caufriez, returns from Borges and Gonalons for the reception of Toulouse
You come from the English 2nd division: your first impressions of Ligue 1?
“The Championship, in intensity and physically, is huge! There are few leagues that can compare to her. But when I hear that the level of Ligue 1 would not be great, it’s wrong! »
“In Ligue 1, each match is very difficult, tactically and technically, and it’s a physical championship too. In terms of concentration, the margin of error is much lower than in the Championship. »
Did this Championship help you turn a corner?
“Very clearly, in terms of my football, my mentality and my way of working too: I have always been someone who works on and off the pitch. But already, going to Spain, I realized that I had to do even more and in England… there, I didn’t even have a choice. (laughs) ! In fact, the foreigner, it made me mature and grow at all levels, even as a man. »
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prime Clermont Foot, not great for playing three games in a week
And on the ground, more precisely?
“I especially evolved on my concentration. And on defensive efforts, offensive counter-efforts too. Sometimes I said to myself: “I’m not going to make this effort, I’m going to save myself for the next one”. Abroad, I realized that the “next” may not actually exist. I’m also a lot more calm and thoughtful, too. »
Is this experience something that you asked the coach to bring?
“It was indeed one of the points he underlined from our first telephone conversation. Here, there are players who are more experienced, have more caps in Ligue 1 than me, but in all humility, we learn from everyone, so if I can bring… ”
The keys against Toulouse?
“Playing our game. There is a strong identity that is beginning to be known and recognized in France. It will be necessary to be present in the duels, to know how to respond to the physical impact, to monopolize as much as possible, too. Be us. »
Jean-Philippe Beal