Power and impact. The eyes and the legs. Both used to the area, Alassane Plea and Vincent Koziello come into their own alongside Lac Léman, in the Domaine de Divonne. Accomplices and friends, the forward (24 years old) and the midfielder (21 years old) both share the virtue of sincerity. Both full of mischief when describing the other. Work that was completed meticulously in the living room of the red and black HQ on Sunday evening, after dinner. Time for ping-pong and for rest. Roommates

How would you describe your ‘roommate’?

Vincent Koziello: I am going to say good things, of course, if not, I wouldn’t have recruited him for my room. Between us, it is me that decides, I even decided who would sleep where (laughs).

Alassane Plea: I confirm that I was lucky to have been chosen by Vincent. He decides where I should go, and I do so. He is the boss (laughs). He is calm, he sleeps early, he isn’t too annoying. He snores a bit, but I am used to that, we have been sharing for years now. We have a laugh.

V.K.: More seriously, he is a very good player, a top striker and above all, a nice guy with whom I get on really well. Despite his injury, you can feel that he hasn’t lost anything. I am certain that his season will be alligned with the season he had last year.

“He sets an example, on the pitch and off it”

What roles do you both have in the squad?

A.P.: We have played together for 3 years now. Year after year, he takes more responsibility in the squad. He is improving and progressing a lot. Despite his age, he is one of the experienced ones in the squad. He sets an example, on the pitch and off it. He is respectful and, in the dressing room, he is very liked. He is a very good team mate for everyone. 

V.K.: Alass', we like him a lot. On the pitch, he gives everything, especially in tracking back. And technically, he brings a lot, gets involved in the game and scores important goals.

Since each of your debuts, what has the other done to improve his game?

V.K.: His play with his back to goal. (He turns to Alassane) You are a lot tougher!

A.P.: It’s true…

V.K.: I get the feeling that, when he arrived, he was a deep player. Now, he can do everything, he has gained self-confidence and is more effective. He has improved everything.

A.P.: Vince’, when he started, he was the little youngster, a little bit shy. Today, he has taken on more responsibilities. And physically, he has improved a lot. He is a lot more robust.

V.K.: You think?

A.P.: Yes, you have bulked up! In duals, you hold your own, even against bigger players. And then, you are still as technically talented and mobile as before. To evolve with a player like that is brilliant. He defends, attacks, always offers solutions and gives all he has. He has a lot of potential to continue improving too, and if he continues like that, he can go far.

What is the next challenge that you would set for each other?

A.P.: To play back to back matches. When you’re young, you need to play, that is what helps you progress. I hope that he will have an amazing season like he did two years ago, even though at the end of last season, he was equally as amazing. He knows what he needs to do, and I have no doubts for him.

V.K.: That’s nice (smiles)! For you, the objective is…

A.P.: … a full season!

V.K.: Exactly!

A.P.: Without injury.

V.K.: A season with 20 league goals.

A.P.: That would be good! 

V.K. : Definitely. And not counting Europe and the cups. It’s the next challenge for him, and I am certain that he will get there this season, as long as he is not bothered by any physical issues.

“When you give everything, the fans repay you”

What place does your colleague hold in the hearts of the fans?

A.P.: (Sings) "Koziello allez allez, Koziello allez allez!"

V.K.: (He interrupts, equally singing) "Pleeeeea, Pleeeea, Pleeeeea!" 

A.P.: Vincent came through the academy here; the fans love him a lot. On the pitch he is good and, once again, he gives everything. And when you give everything for the club, the fans repay you.

V.K.: I think that Alassane has won the fans over. To begin with, it was maybe a little more complicated, and he has managed to turn the situation around. Now in the stadium, it’s "Pleeeeea, Pleeeea, Pleeeeea!" It wasn’t easy, but he has changed things. Now, he is loved by the fans: it’s the deserved reward for his work and what he achieves on the pitch.

You have two very different profiles. Which quality would you steal from the other?

V.K.: He has a lot! But most of all, it’s his flair in matches. He moves very well. In relation to his teammates and opponents, he knows where he wants to receive the ball. That’s what allows him to find himself alone and to play in the best conditions.

A.P.: For me, it’s his liveliness. He is fast, quick to support. I also like his agility and combativeness,

V.K.: (He interrupts) Oh, you don’t need that.

A.P.: Yes, Yes. But seriously, your liveliness and your support make me jealous!

“From his first training session, I was shocked…”

And in your arsenal, what would you bring to his game?

A.P.: My speed, my power?

V.K.: I’ll take it!

A.P. : But you’re quick too! And so, what would you take from me?

V.K.: Everything! 

A.P.: That’s good, I would give everything for you (they laugh)...

And you Vincent, what would you give to Alass’? 

V.K.: The jokes! 

Is there a day on which your teammate here has shocked you?

V.K.: (After reflection) Maybe at Metz, when he got a hat-trick, even though that didn’t really surprise me, because I knew he was capable of that…

A.P.: From his first training session. I was shocked to see what the little youngster could do and how he can hold his own in battles. Right from when he started, I said to myself that he had all of the qualities needed to succeed.

V.K.: ... Or maybe the goal that he scored at Guingamp in 2015/16, it was beautiful (3-2 victory on the last day of the season). He scored a brace for us, easy! I remember his celebration.

A.P.: And at Sainté, when you slid on your knees? That was a nice one! He was as happy as anything…

V.K.: It was my first goal and we won (4-1). It was a great win, and we were even talking about it at dinner just now.

To conclude, if you each of you had to ask the other a question?

A.P.: What are your objectives this season?

V.K.: Quite simply to play the maximum number of games possible and to improve. I want to give my all for the team so that we have a great season with lots of wins.

And Vincent, your question for Alassane?

A.P.: He is going to come out with something stupid, I can feel it! 

V.K.: When are we going to return to the boat?

A.P.: Whenever you want, captain. But you scare me, because you can’t navigate …

V.K.: Do you have a goal target or "do you take it one match after the other?”

A.P.: I have set myself a little target, which I won’t be revealing. It is in the back of my head, and I am going to try to meet it. Personally, above all, I want to play in as many games without picking up an injury. To have a full season, as opposed to the last two. I know that if I can do it physically, the goals will follow. At the moment, I feel good, I have no more pain. I worked hard during the holidays and at the start of pre-season with the fitness coaches. Bit by bit, I am getting it back. I will need a bit of time, but I am on the right track.

C.D. / F.H. (photos Y.F.)

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