Between the two training sessions on Tuesday, Maxime Le Marchand delivered his first impressions on pre-season, and the season that lies ahead. Affirmed, calm, the defender seems to have a growing importance within the Red and Black squad.

Maxime, how were your holidays?

Very good! We had a little bit less time than usual, but I am not going to be finicky: last season, I only missed one week because of my injury. Of course, 4 weeks goes very quickly. But we still had time to make the most of it.

Have you recovered from last season?

Yes, I was able to leave it behind mentally and physically. Then, progressively, I worked individually, to come back in form and focus on the new season.

“It is nice to put our boots back on”

Last year, you missed the pre-season with the squad.

Yes, at the same period last year, I was at the CERS (rehabilitation centre) in Saint-Raphaël. I am happy to be involved this time with everybody, to be able to go on the tour, and to play in the friendlies. It has been one and a half years since I last had a pre-season. I am going to be able to prepare myself like everybody else.

What are your first impressions?

It’s a difficult period; of course it is, because we work hard. But you need to, it is very important. And it is nice to put our boots back on and moving about with the ball again, because the first challenges are fast approaching. I didn’t touch the ball, apart from on the beach during the holidays, but it’s not the same thing.

On the beach, did you work like Dante?

(Laughs) No, no, I saw his videos. I just had a few touches with the ball for fun, but apart from that, I didn’t really have any proper sessions on the beach.

 “The new arrivals are already comfortable here”

How have the new recruits been received (Pierre Lees-Melou, Adrien Tameze and Jean-Victor Makengo)?
As always, this squad tries to integrate the newbies in the best way possible. There are already some affinities that are beginning to be established. They are really comfortable here and on the pitch, you can already feel that. Pierre Lees-Melou already knew Arnaud (Souquet), he is being well guided. And once they have all been through their initiations, things will be even better (laughs).

When are they scheduled to take place?

We keep them for on the pre-season tour (from 1^st-8^th July in Divonne-les-Bains, Editor’s note).

Amongst the recruits, Tameze and Lees-Melou come and join the list of Aiglons who have evolved at Ligue 2 sides, a list that you appear on (alongside Cyprien, Walter, Lusamba, Le Bihan, Souquet, Plea and Eysseric)...
The club does well at looking for players plying their trade in the league below, who may be capable of adapting quickly to top-flight. Ligue 2 is a very difficult league. And when a technical player manages to impose himself there, generally things go well for him in Ligue 1. 

“People will be expecting us, we need to prepare ourselves for it”

Have you had the time to fix initial objectives for this season?

We haven’t spoken about that yet, but it will be happening soon. Of course, we would like to qualify for the Champions League (first leg of the 3rd qualifying round for the Champions League will take place on 25 or 26 July, the second leg on 1^st or 2^nd August). Last season was exceptional, and this one may be more complicated. The league looks to be tricky this season. People will be expecting us and we are going to need to prepare ourselves for that. But the goal is to stay in the top part of the table and to experience some really special moments together.

The style seen last season allows you to rest on some fairly solid bases though?

Of course. Seasons don’t always resemble each other though, with more or less success. But if we maintain the same quality, we can legitimately expect to finish in the top part of the table. And why not go and qualify for Europe again?

The European Cup, is something you will be re-tasting once again shortly...
Yes. Last season, the squad discovered the taste of Europe. This experience allowed us to gain in maturity. We know that there is a step-up in terms of level compared to the league. The objective is to impose ourselves as a European club.

And what are your personal objectives?
I want to avoid injuries so that I can be available as often as possible for the team and the coaches. I also want to deliver consistent performances. It’s in avoiding injuries that I will be able to do that.

Does that influence your preparation?

I have always been serious. But now, I am trying to be more intelligent, especially in training. I am more willing to listen, I am learning to manage myself better. And I am working, with a focus on strengthening my muscles. These are small details which, I hope, will come together and will allow me to have a good season.

“A new role”

Lucien Favre entrusted you with the captain’s armband last season (at Bordeaux). Do you feel that your role has evolved in the squad?

Yes, of course. In training, I am one of the oldest, even though I am not that old (27 years old). From now on, it’s for me to be there for the youngsters. I explain certain things to them and pass on some of my experience. It’s a new role, and one in which you need to stand up and be counted. For that reason, it’s is good to be starting pre-season with the squad.

The season ticket campaign for the 2017-18 season has gotten off to a historic start. How does this make you all feel?

It’s a really good piece of news! It shows that the club continues to grow. To have people there to cheer us on, it allows us to surpass ourselves.

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