Axel Witsel participated in two interviews this week with L'Équipe and Nice-Matin. Here are some of the highlights from the captain's media sorties.

HIS ARRIVAL

Before you signed for Le Gym, you got in touch with Dante. What motivated you to come here?

I was at home in Madrid where I was preparing as I waited for a club. I got a call from Roger (Ricort, Sporting Director) and it all went through quickly. Boost the youngsters, support them, those were the first words he said to me to make me come here. I liked the idea. Being able to pass things on, that's a role I love.

How do you feel physically?

Good. I didn't have a pre-season, so it's true that the ends of games are tough. This international break has been good for me as it's allowed me to work on my fitness. In one or two matches at most, I'll be really at 100%.

THE START OF THE SEASON

Let's get back to the team. Are there things from the win over Lille that make you think it's not just a one-off?

We needed a little time for things to be put in place. The context of last season wasn't easy. There were a lot of new players, a new philosophy. What we lacked in the first few games was the grit and effort that we put into the game against Lille. We felt there was more of an understanding between us with the ball, the link-up play was there. The international break almost came at the wrong time. We'll have to show that we're up and running against Strasbourg.

THE GOALS

What do you expect from this season personally?

To get back an identity and a collective. With what we showed against Lille, we're heading in the right direction. I have been in a relegation battle with Girona. We were relegated. I know what it's like to play to avoid the drop and I prefer to play to try to be champions. The pressure is different. That said, I have played high-pressure matches, World Cup matches, but the one against Elche was tough (1-1, 23 May). It was comparable to the quarter-final against Brazil (2-1 in 2018) where I was stressed, which isn't something that normally happens to me.

What is this team's potential?

I can't really give you a position in the league table. From what I see on a daily basis, we're not at all a team that should be playing near the bottom. That said, you have to get the job done. The further we go on in the season, the better we'll be able to focus on what we can achieve. We'll have to fight for it.

ON DJIBRIL COULIBALY

You're playing alongside a player, Djibril Coulibaly, who wasn't even born when you started your career...

I remember when I arrived the first thing he said to me was, "My big brother thinks you’re great". (laughs). There's a 20-year age gap and we're playing together. It's a great story, but it's crazy. Djibril is a player who has a lot of potential. Technically, he's good. He's strong and he has vision. He's still not quite there in terms of his movements and tactically, that's normal. He'll learn to channel his efforts with team. I really like him a lot.

BEING CAPTAIN

You've inherited the captain's armband. What does that change on a daily basis?

Nothing. I am of the opinion that I don't need an armband to be a leader of the team. I have always been like that in every club I've played in. But I'm proud to wear it. In my way of being, whether it be on a daily basis or in matches, it's not going to change anything. I've always been someone who gives his all every time. Even with the referees, I remain calm and poised. Well, sometimes I give them a piece of my mind (laughs). I'm not going to change.

Have you often been captain in your career?

At Standard (Liege), I was. I have also captained the national team sometimes and at Dortmund too. But I've always been one of the leaders.

Does the fact you got the armband so soon after joining mean there was a lack of leaders in the squad?

No, I just think that being captain can be a weight on the shoulders of some players. It doesn't mean that those players lack personality or leadership. I didn't think I'd be captain or that it would come so quickly. Everything is clear. Hats off to Jo (Clauss) who spoke to the coach. Not everyone would have done that. We're going forward and that's the most important thing.

THE FUTURE

And each time you continue your career, do you have to speak to your wife about it?

No, because she doesn't want me to have any regrets. On the other hand, for me, Nice will be my last club. I'm going to try and stay here as long as possible, a bit like Dante did, but not for 10 years (laughs). We're already going to do one plus one (he has a one-year option). After that, we'll see. But I don't see myself making my family travel, changing school or surroundings for the kids. We feel good here.

 

 

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