The left-back of OGC Nice is one of the revelations of the early season. A starter in every match, he proves at just 20 years old that Nice’s training academy is of quality but remains aware of the work to be done. For Nice Premium, he reflects on his Young Player of the Month award, his first professional goal, and many other topics.
Nice Premium: You were Young Player of the Month for September, what was your reaction?
Jordan Amavi: It’s a huge pleasure for my first season as a starter. I thank everyone who voted for me. This trophy is not an end in itself, I still have a lot of work to do every day.
N.P.: Timothée Kolodziejczak left this summer (transferred to FC Seville), how did you experience this transfer?
J.A.: Initially, the coach took me to be Timothée’s backup, but with his departure everything changed. I had to be ready at any moment and this season I am benefiting from this starting position on the left side of the defense. Not recruiting for this position shows that the club trusts the young players, which is a real opportunity for me and the other academy players.
N.P.: Your squad welcomed 6 new players (Carlos Eduardo, Hult, Vercauteren, Pléa, Diawara, Pouplin) this summer, how do you assess their integration?
J.A.: They are all very well integrated into the group. Daily, they bring competition to training and want their place for Saturday. It’s good, it pushes us to be better.
N.P.: You play in defense alongside Mathieu Bodmer and Souleymane Diawara, two players with great experience, what do they bring to you daily?
J.A.: They advise me a lot. Every training session, they help me improve my positioning, my choices, the decisions to make on the field. Having them next to me is a big plus to climb the ranks. The experienced players guide the younger ones, which is very important in development.
N.P.: You scored your first professional goal (last September 20 in Nantes), how did it feel?
J.A.: A first professional goal is always strange but I was happy. Unfortunately, given the match scenario (2-0 at that moment), I didn’t celebrate it too much. I hope now to score another one to really celebrate it.
N.P.: The Nice project is underway with the stadium and soon the training center, do you feel committed for the long term?
J.A.: I have been in Nice for 4 years so I attach a lot of importance to the club and what it will become. I feel 100% committed to OGC Nice.
N.P.: Who are you closest to in the locker room?
J.A.: Lloyd (Palun)! He is the one I get along with the best, with whom I have the most laughs. Not to forget “Papy” Mendy.
