Focus

Tameze the "Lillois"

On Wednesday, the Gym will travel to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy to face LOSC (kick-off at 9.05pm), for the Round of 16 of the Coupe de la Ligue. Born in Lille, Adrien Tameze spoke at the press conference to discuss the match, the opponent, a new competition, the Gym and the trip... back home. 

It’s nice to return to Lille, and even more so for an important match. I have already been to the stadium as a supporter, but now, it is going to be pleasant to be there...” In good form, the powerful defensive midfielder (23 years old) spoke with a smile about the Aiglons’ trip. He presented the opponent with simplicity: “Since the change of coach, it’s another Lille, who pick up points, so it won’t be an easy match. I am looking forward to being there. We will try to bring home the victory because the Coupe de la Ligue is important, we have 3 matches to ensure we go out on a high.” 

Playing for the LOSC “as a little boy, then at Nancy “with Ibrahim Amadou” (the Lille captain), the midfielder who arrived from Valenciennes this summer, has also been called up for the Bleuets alongside Pierre Benzia. He hasn’t, however, ever played against the Dogues as a pro, which of course offers a special extra to the encounter on Wednesday. Especially at the end of an intense calendar year...

“I have picked up the rhythm”

An end to the year where, after having sorted some of their issues, Lucien Favre’s squad now looks to consolidate. Which will only stem from a togetherness supplemented by strong individual answers. In the second category, Tameze has proved, over the last couple of weeks, that he has taken on the Red and Black challenge. “I am in the process of progressing, he said quietly, especially in tactical terms. I am try to instill in myself the way that the coach sees things. I think I have progressed a lot compared to last year, especially in certain phases of the game, where I read the game better.

A logical adaptation to a new environment. “Lots of things changed for me this summer. With all the training, the matches, I learned to get to know people more closely and I have picked up the rhythm, which allows me to be more efficient than at the start of the season.” This can be seen in his game and in the stats, where he has made 5 starts in the league (11 appearances in L1 and 5 in Europe this season), with just as many good performances.

Performances which won’t cause the player to lose his sense of humility. “In signing here, I knew that it wouldn’t be easy, he concluded. Today, I listen to the coach and the people around me so that I can progress.“