He has established himself within the team of great players and can legitimately hope to play for the French National Team very soon. In the meantime, he only thinks about the upcoming deadlines that may allow his club to play in the Champions League for the third consecutive time. At 25, this excellent defender is among the best French players in his position. Trained in Monaco, he plays for the second-best French team of the last five years. Nicolas Plestan thirsts for victories, and that’s all that matters to him. On the eve of facing one of the giants of Europe and the club from his hometown, he opens up to Nice Premium.
Nice-Premium: How do you feel approaching this particular week for you?
Nicolas Plestan: I feel good. The next two matches are going to be very tough.
N-P: Will playing in the Champions League affect the match on Saturday?
N.P.: No, there will be no impact as they are two different competitions. From a physical standpoint, we will have time to recover since we play on Tuesday and then only three days later in Nice.
N-P: How did you experience the defeat in the last minutes against Lyon (1-2)?
N.P.: It was quite frustrating but it’s part of football. We are lucky to be able to play matches consecutively, to quickly think about other things. Returning to the championship Saturday at Stade du Ray is going to be very important.
N-P: You are about to play against Manchester United in the Champions League. How do you feel before this clash with one of the greats of Europe?
N.P.: It’s the most prestigious competition in the world for clubs. There are the best teams, the best players. This competition enriches us, we gain experience, it’s undeniable, it matters in a career to play in it.
N-P: You’ve played in some great stadiums like San Siro (Milan), Estadio de la Luz (Lisbon). Is it a pride to play in such venues?
N.P.: Matches in these stadiums are among the very good moments. It’s not an achievement. The goal is always to progress to the next stages and to play there again.
N-P: Lille is currently third but eliminated from both cups. The objective is to stay at least at this rank?
N.P.: Of course. The main thing is to qualify for the Champions League. When you have the chance to play in this competition, you want to participate again the next year. This requires us to do well in the league. We need to stay at the top and there are thirteen matches left for that.
N-P: Lyon has been champion for five consecutive years, isn’t it frustrating to know that there’s not much you can do about it?
N.P.: Yes, it’s frustrating because we want to win. We play for that. But finishing second is still synonymous with a great season for a club like Lille.
N-P: You are often a starter in the Lille defense. Given Claude Puel’s frequent rotation policy, it’s a great sign of confidence, isn’t it?
N.P.: I am pleased to have the coach’s confidence. He is satisfied, which is the most important, but to get here, I worked a lot, I never gave up to keep progressing.
N-P: Your objectives for the end of the season?
N.P.: As a player, you have personal and team objectives. In my case, I prefer to keep them to myself.
N-P: What do you remember from your years on the coast?
N.P.: I have good memories. I spent eight years at ASM, which allowed me to become what I am. At 14, you are young, so both the man and the player must be formed. So, I had a tough year but I mainly remember the good times.
N-P: The upcoming match against OGC Nice next Saturday, is it special for you?
N.P.: No because I didn’t play there, I don’t know anyone. It’s going to be a difficult match. I am happy because I will see my parents, but that’s it. If I look at the results, it’s for my family who supports the club and because I have buddies in the BSN who played with me at Gazélec.
N-P: What do you think about when we talk about Stade du Ray?
N.P.: There are good supporters and a great atmosphere. It’s nice, all the noise, this fervor. As a former supporter, I would like the good results to continue, that it works.
