Interview. After Quentin Rouger, here comes Slimane Sissoko, the fourth player from the 1991 generation to have signed a professional contract at the Stade Rennais. Plagued with injuries during the last season because of recurrent injuries, the young French-Malian player had the joy to receive a one-year professional contract with an additional two years in option. A contract looking like redemption for Sissoko, who know wants to strive within his training club.
Stade Rennais Online: Slimane, you have recently, alongside Quentin Rouger, signed your first professional contract with the Stade Rennais. Can you give us your first impressions?
- Slimane Sissoko : «I’m very happy to sign my first professional contract in the club where I received all my training. But I’m also very conscious I have a lot of work left in order to become a fully qualified professional player”.
SRO: Sincerely, with only two starts in two years with the reserve, did you expect to sign a professional contract in Rennes?
- S.S.: «To be honnest, I was in a waiting position in regards to the last two, difficult seasons. I struggled to understand a few things, but I wasn’t spared by injuries either. I can promise you, however, that the best is to come”.
SRO: What sort of player are you? What are your main qualities, and what are your defaults?
- S.S. : «I would say I have four main qualities : Power, technical ability, ball protection and ability to play with my back to the goal. In the future, I will have to work harder in front of the goal and with my heading ability in order to become more decisive”.
SRO : Three years ago, you left the ES Troyes Academy for Stade Rennes’. Could you explain us the reasons for your departure? What convinced you to continue your training in Rennes?
- S.S. : «I was scouted by Marc Luciathe (ed.: the Stade Rennes recruiter who also helped bringing Vincent Pajot to Brittany), who proposed me to come for a trial in Rennes. Despite the interest of other clubs, Patrick Rampillon and Philippe Barraud showed a particular interest and belief in my qualities. Not forgetting Laurent Huard, who really wanted to work with me. This all convinced me, and I didn’t think twice before joining Stade Rennes”.
SRO : Since you’ve joined the CFA squad, you haven’t been an indisputable starter with the Reserve. How do you explain such a reduced playing time, especially this season?
- S.S. : «In the first place, I wasn’t consistent enough. Also, I had several injuries (Ed.: a dislocated shoulder, a torn muscle in the left thigh and bone damage in the foot). Then, quite a few professional players were downgraded to the Reserve in order to gain some playing time.
SRO : In what way(s) have you improved your game since you arrived?
- S.S : «I’ve improved a lot in terms of my movements, in the tactical area and in the physical impact”.
SRO : Along with signing your professional contract, you discussed your future with the club. On the short term, are you likely to be playing in Rennes or is a loan a possibility?
- S.S. : «No decision has been made at the moment, but my wish is to remain in Rennes, to become part of the professional squad as soon as possible, and to justify the trust that the club has put in me by offering me my first professional contract”.
SRO : In a few weeks’ Stade Rennes’ Reserve will be relegated in CFA2. How do you feel about it?
- S.S. : “Altogether, a lot of disappointment.”
SRO : A few weeks ago, Yacine Brahimi explained that the Championnat de France Amateur is tougher than Ligue 1. What is so particular about that league?
- S.S. : «It is true, that it is a league requesting more physical engagement, especially in the challenges”.
SRO : Do you think the Reserve could have remained at the same level this season, despite the club trusting its youngsters much more this year?
- S.S. : “Honestly, we all knew it would be difficult this year. By all means, the club’s policy is to give their chance to the youngsters…”
SRO : Over the last few weeks, French football has been shaken by the quotas scandal, regarding the bi-national players. Do you feel concerned by these debates, and what do you think about it?
- S.S. : «To be perfectly sincere, I don’t think much about it. I don’t consider it as a debate worth having».
SRO : In the future, if an African national team was allowing you to discover the international level, and possibly to play in a major international competition, how would you react?
- S.S. : «I will consider this if the situation arises. Not before (Ed.: Slimane Sissoko is of Malian origin. At the moment, he hasn’t yet been called in France’s youth national team)”.
SRO : Is there anyone you would like to associate to your recent success?
- S.S : «My family first, and also Marc Luciathe who came to find me when I played in the Promotion d’honneur (Ed.: lower regional division). Also, Patrick Rampillon who helped me in the difficult times and Philippe Barraud who always believed in my potential. And obviously the coaching staff, even though I gave them a few headaches over the last few months.
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