Following his arrival this summer from Dijon, Arnaud Souquet (24 years old) has quickly settled into his new environment. Souquet who began his career at Lille is a versatile defender, capable of playing on the left and the right, as well as through the middle and he has happily taken to life in L1 and the Europa League and looks forward to continuing with his development.

It seems that thousands of things have happened since your debut in the friendly against Toulouse.

It’s true. With the Europa League, we have played a lot of matches. Since the friendlies, new players have arrived. With the new coach, there were things to be taken on board, new systems etc.. We needed time, but winning games has also brought us confidence. Now, we need to continue in this way.

What differences do you see between the top of L2 and L1?

Ligue 1 is a step up, and the top of L1 is even more so. Everything is quicker and requires lots more concentration. There is also a big difference between the environments. In Nice, Le Gym is anchored into the area, the fans are with you more, the stadium is bigger and there is huge enthusiasm. In coming here, I knew that the supporters would be behind us, they will always be there. When you are a new player, that is important, it pushes you on to try and improve. Always. 

And what about Europe?

In spite of being eliminated, the Europa League helped us, because we played against teams that are used to playing, or are aspiring to play in the Champions League. Against opponents like that, you learn and you understand why they go on tours each year. We can see the path ahead of us and at the same time, we hope to get back there quickly.

What impact do you think results have on the atmosphere of the squad?

They help us. That’s why we need to strive to keep this squad dynamic and to train together. Last year, I was lucky to experience a great adventure in Dijon and I hope that this year, I will have the opportunity to experience another…

And the impact of the media coverage?

I don’t think it affects us, but of course, it is different from L2 and there is a lot more media coverage. The positive is that we have a group that gets on well together and is keeping its feet firmly on the ground. We are like kids, we have a laugh, it’s like a good group of mates who enjoy being on the pitch. We spend some quality time together. There will more than likely be some more difficult moments when we will need pull together, but for the moment, the results are there, and I hope that it can continue.

What assessment can you take from your first six months?

When I arrived, it was clear, I knew that there was going to be competition for places. I came here to be the back-up for Ricardo on the right and knew that I could always play on the left if necessary. I played in the first match because he was injured, and that allowed me to get involved straight away. At the beginning, the step-up was big, I needed to work a lot. I think I have improved since the start of the season and in any case, I try to give my all in training so that I can be in the squad each week and to bring my best when I am called on.

You have also found yourself a new position, on the right of a back three.

… And I did it with no apprehension. Next to me, I had Dante, on the right, Ricardo, and then other players all around me that talked me through it. It is a bit new for me, a bit different, as if I was playing at full-back, except through the middle. It is primarily a defensive position, but we are also involved in starting moves and so you need to be technically tidy. It’s very important. The position requires a little more concentration to make up for the movements from the wing backs.

Have you been impressed by any of your teammates?

Of course, and I had already seen and knew what they were capable of. Then, there is a sort of admiration at the start, because some players with some real prestige joined us or were already here. To train with them everyday can only help you to improve. I am not one of the youngest in the squad, but even at my age, you need to listen to their advice and take it into consideration. I am certain that they will allow me to learn more and that can only be a positive.

C.D.

---