Officially presented to the press today, Yann M’Vila underlined the important role Jean-Louis played in his arrival to Saint-Etienne. The midfield player is determined to become a technical leader of his team in order to bring AS Saint-Etienne back to their former ranking.
Why did you chose AS Saint-Etienne?
Jean-Louis Gasset challenged me and I came at once. I didn’t hesitate for a single second. I worked with him for two years and I only have good memories of the time I spent with him. So I said to myself why not? He’s an excellent coach who is very direct and tells his players exactly what he’s thinking without using an intermediary.
How did you feel about ASSE’s situation before the break?
That didn’t worry me in the slightest. I went through worse in Sunderland. The more challenging the situation is, the more I like it.
After playing for FC Rubin Kazan, was coming back to France a priority for you?
No, not particularly. FC Rubin Kazan had financial problems, they had to change up their team a bit. I felt well about myself as a player. Returning to Europe makes me feel good, my wife is happy to be able to come back to France.
Can you see yourself playing again with the French national team?
The goal that I set for myself is to play well during the matches that we still have to play in order to give AS Saint-Etienne a good second half of this season because the team doesn’t rank as it normally does. Personally, I’ve never forgotten about playing for the French team, that’s always been in the back of my mind. Today, I have a coach that can bring me to a very high level but I’m the one that has to do the work.
Speak to us about your first moments with AS Saint-Etienne. How were you welcomed by your teammates?
I was very well received. Also I was very glad to find some former teammates here who I played with in Rennes and there is a great group of guys. We feel very united in the locker room, we feel like a family.
What is your impression of the match against Toulouse?
Last Sunday, Saint-Etienne earned a long overdue victory, I’m happy for the club. The atmosphere was very nice and that really helped the team. Football players can’t go very far without supporters.
What do you say to those who wonder about your return to France?
I understand that my arrival is noteworthy but I have nothing to say to these comments or rather I’ll respond to them on the field. If I play well, public opinion of me will change. Personally, I don’t doubt myself. The day that I do, I’ll stop playing.
What have you learned from your experiences as a football player?
In Italy, I learned to play tactically. In Sunderland or in Russia, I learned to be combative. You had to run as much as possible and treat the game like a fight. It was something that was missing from my performance. Before, I only played when I had the ball. I know that there have been ups and downs in my career but that’s life. I have only myself to blame if I didn’t do better. Today I am no longer the man that I was before. I’m 27, I’ve matured. I’m married, I have four kids and I’ve gained international experience. Now I have the chance to make things right. I have to work hard, to show that I was wrong. I left France through the back door, now I have to do what I must in order to perform and leave in the right way if the opportunity presents itself again.
Do you think you can shoulder the role of a leader in Saint-Etienne?
I’ve often taken on this responsibility in the past. This was the case in Rennes but also in Sunderland or Russia even though I didn’t speak the language. Here, there are leaders in the locker room. My goal is not to take their place. What interests me is being a leader on the field.
