Former Aiglon (2008-16), Lucas Rougeaux now plays his football with KV Courtrai (Belgian D1), where last season, he played alongside the Gym’s most recent signing: Youcef Atal. The winner of the Coupe Gambardella 2012 picked up the phone to present the new signing, before updating on his own news. Interview. 

How would you describe the profile of Youcef Atal?

Youcef is a very quick and energetic player. He puts lots of enthusiasm into everything he does. It’s true that he isn’t that tall, but his balance allows him to come up against players who may be stronger than he. He’s not afraid of contact. When he was younger, he must have played as a forward, because he loves the offensive side of the game. That’s what makes him stand out.

What did the KV Courtrai defence look like when you played together? 

We either played in a 4 or a 5. Youcef played on the right. Whereas I played through the middle, sometimes on the left, but mainly on the right, alongside Youcef. 

Tell us a bit about KV Courtrai in the Jupiler Pro League.

Every season, our objective is above all to stay in D1. Courtrai are a pretty well respected side in Belgium. Although we have a small stadium, it’s pretty difficult for our opponents to come and beat us. Our ambition is to get into the play-offs 1, that means finishing in the top 6. This year, we just missed out (7th).

“I gave him my opinion of Nice”

How do you think Youcef Atal will adapt to life in Nice and at the Gym?

In Nice, there will be no problem. He will be able to express himself freely. In terms of the game, I don’t know Coach Vieira but Youcef is a modern right back, very attacking. He will be a positive addition to the squad.

Did you speak about his transfer together? 

Once or twice but no more. Whilst it isn’t confirmed, you don’t talk about it too much. But given that we were pretty close, I gave him my opinion. Maybe that swung it in Nice’s favour...

Off of the pitch, what kind of person is he?

He doesn’t stress. He is young, a little joker! What he loves more than anything else is to play football. 

And how are you doing?

In February, I injured my knee. They immediately operated on my cruciate ligaments. It was an injury quite similar to Wylan Cyprien’s. After 5 months of rehab, I am seeing the surgeon on Monday. I hope he will give me the green light to begin running again and to slowly return to training. My objective is to play a match before the end of the year and I would like to take part in the friendly against Zulte Waregem (26 December). That would be a nice Christmas present. 

“I often speak to Cardi’ on the phone”

Do you still follow the Gym?

Wherever I am, I try to stay up-to-date. Every day I receive Nice-Matin and I watch OGC Nice’s games whenever I can. The Gym is my heart’s club, it’s hard to detach yourself from it. I am of course proud of its progress.

Do you still speak to your former teammates?

I often speak to Cardi’ on the phone. I also saw Micka Le Bihan. Apart from that, I hear a bit from the guys who have moved on: Éric Bauthéac, Jordan Amavi…

On Saturday, OGC Nice travels to play  at Sporting de Charleroi. A team that you know well…

For a couple of years now, RCSC have been challenging at the top of the league. They have started their pre-season well. In Belgium, the clubs play lots of friendlies before the league starts (Charleroi have already played six, Editor’s note). This friendly will be interesting to watch but for me, Nice will win it without too many problems. 

S.F.

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