Injured during the first fixture of 2017 at the Allianz Riviera, Ricardo Pereira has been working for 2 months to return to the side. Explosive, the Portuguese full-back  (16 appearances, 1 goal and 3 assists this season) sat on the bench against Caen last Friday, in the game which marked his return to the squad.  Always thinking about the side, his words don't hide his endless determination. They give in a very fluent French, the main updates from his career and the Gym's progress.

The knee injury

It was against Metz. At the time, I felt straight away that it wasn't good, my leg was weak. It was hard to be away from the pitch, especially at an important period in the season. We had a few players injured, but to be out and not able to help the team, it is tough to live through, especially in your head. But it happens, that's football.

His return to the squad

I tried to work to my best to come back as quickly as possible, to do my rehab here, at home and to rest a lot. Every day, I am progressing. I am gaining in confidence and physically, I am getting back to the same level as my teammates. I am not in pain, that's the main thing. Last weekend (against Caen) I was almost at 100%. I have spent the whole week with the squad, so I feel even better. The break, which is not far off, will give me even more time to work hard.

The Gym this winter

We didn't win a lot but, at the same time we didn't lose many either. There were injured players, Mika (Seri) at the ACN, but the team responded well.  We know that we can't always win games one after the other, but we always try to work hard and to progress. I hope the bad times are behind us, even though you can never be sure. Without Wylan and Alassane, it will be harder, but other players will come in and give their all to play well.

2nd season at the club, 2nd chase at the top of the table

There are nine difficult matches to go, we need to train hard and win them all to continue to move in the right direction and to not lose our way. Last year we had a great season. This year, we already have the same number of points, it's very good. But it isn't over, we want more and we have nothing to lose. There is the opportunity to do better, it's down to us to put things in place to achieve it. During my first season here, I was already very happy, I am even happier this year.

Nantes

They have good players but they haven't always managed to get the results. With the change of coach (Sergio Conceiçao replaced René Girard), they have improved. He is a coach that is with the side. He wants his players to run, that they give their all. Since he arrived, Nantes are going well. It will be tough there, but we will try to win.

The objectives

To go and get 3 points in each match. In 4 fixtures time, we could maybe start to talk about something. I say 'maybe', because it depends on the results we get before then. We will see where we finish and whilst waiting, we need to win and to focus only on winning.

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