In great form at Saint-Etienne despite the 5-0 defeat, decisive this Saturday against Lens (2-1 victory), Mouez Hassen appeared matured at the press conference this Tuesday. Despite a complicated season on all fronts, the goalkeeper trained in Nice is aware of having reached a milestone and progressed in many areas. Promising.
How is the group feeling after securing survival on Saturday (2-1 victory against Lens)?
Relieved. We needed one point, and we did better. We started the match well, but that goal we conceded broke our momentum. For confidence, it was important not to concede the second goal. Didier’s (Digard) goal brought joy to everyone. We were happy that he scored after such a season.
A quick look back at Thursday’s incidents with the South Brigade…
As for me, I managed to get over it, but it’s unacceptable. In no club in France have there been such events. I understand that supporters can be unhappy, but this is not normal.
How did the team react?
The group was upset, but it brought us closer together. We wanted to win this match against Lens to silence the supporters. If there was no lap of honor at the end, it was our response to the Thursday incidents.
Does this make you want to leave after such events?
I’ve been at the club since the age of 15, the love is still there. I’m happy here, no, I don’t plan to leave. This question has never crossed my mind.
For a first “full” season in Ligue 1, it was difficult…
At this age (20 years), few have experienced all of this. It was a season full of events, which brought me a lot of experience. I think I have progressed in certain areas, although there are still aspects to work on, especially playing with feet and aerial exits. I’m not worried because with Lionel (Letizi, the goalkeeper coach), we work very well, we never give up.
What do you still need to work on?
The mental aspect. I need to be more at ease in “pressure” matches, to be less stressed. The whistles sometimes make you lose your means. And when, in addition, the key players are absent (Digard, Bodmer, Traoré)…
How do you judge your season?
Good, with all the troubles around the club (matches behind closed doors, the Ben Arfa affair, incidents with the supporters). For me, it was mostly a season of learning. Next season, I will try to start it in the best way possible.
What are your hopes for the 2015-2016 season?
No worries, we have a good group. As with every off-season, the club will do its work despite the departure of some players. What is certain is that we need key players. But sooner or later, the young players will have to take on responsibilities.
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