SM Caen – Annecy, last step before the world in Qatar with Tunisia for Ali Abdi?
Participating in the World Cup is a real holy grail for the young man. “It’s been a dream for 28 years, since I started football Ali Abdi replies with a big smile. I really hope to be able to play in a World Cup. All the players in the world who play this sport think the same thing as me. The World Cup is the biggest and best tournament.”
He still has four days to wait before knowing if his name will be in the list of players selected by the Tunisian selection. An expectation that he shares with his family. He also has one last match to play in the league with the SM Caen
. It will be Saturday against Annecy at home since he will be suspended for the Coupe de France. The moment is special for the left side, aware that an injury at this time of the season could stop everything for him.
“Frankly, to be clear with everyone, in this period you lose a little. You are not 100% in terms of commitment says Ali Abdi. But I don’t like to think about that. When you think too much about injuries, it can happen quickly. But when you think about being less committed, not putting your feet up 100%, that’s where you’re going to take the hurt. You shouldn’t think about it, but a small percentage of your mind thinks about it anyway.”
This period, the Tunisian defender managed it rather well by making a good return from injury and by proving to be incisive against Rodez (2-0) and Valenciennes (1-1).
When you think about being less engaged, not putting your feet up 100%, that’s when you’re gonna take the hurt
There is obviously this pride in being able to represent SM Caen and its supporters. “I have to do what is necessary on the pitch during the World Cup so that I project a good image for the club and for the Ligue 2 championship. There are players who must be selected and it is good that ‘ a Ligue 2 player participates in this competition.
The discussions and controversies around the organization of the World Cup or the desire to boycott displayed by some do not disturb him.
“Frankly I’m outside of all that, I don’t follow what was said by the media about Qatar. I only look at what concerns the sportsman, the extra-sportsmanship does not concern me”, explains honestly the Caen left side.
It’s the biggest spotlight in the world of football
The Tunisian international also remains focused on his season and the goals he has set with SM Caen. Ali Abdi played the stability card for his family and with a view to participating in the World Cup by extending until 2026 at the start of the season. If he is retained in the list of Tunisia, his objectives will be both collective and individual.
The expectations are first collective and to pass the first round with Tunisia. There is after the individual objective, of course, that of being efficient. Show everyone that I’m here and that I’m a good player and that I deserve to play in the big leagues. It’s the biggest spotlight in the world of football. If you are good at the World Cup, the club leaders will see you. But today I feel good in Caen. “
Before thinking about packing his bags for Qatar and the world tournament, Ali Abdi will be keen to leave SM Caen as well offered as possible before the truce and end up with a success at d’Ornano against Annecy, Saturday evening, for the last game of the year 2023 at home.