The defender of Strasbourg, one of the new faces of Ghana, had his first two caps against Mali (0-3) and Qatar (5-1) in the last international window. At 26, he started ...

Ghanaian Alexander Djiku wants to "integrate for good" the selection

Text by: RFI Follow

5 mins

The defender of Strasbourg, one of the new faces of Ghana, had his first two caps against Mali (0-3) and Qatar (5-1) in the last international window.

At 26, he intends to settle permanently with the Black Stars.

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RFI: Alexander Djiku, how did you experience this first meeting with the Ghana national team?

Alexander Djiku

: It went very well!

We know the atmosphere of Africa, we know that the players like to laugh, I did not have too many doubts about my ability to integrate well.

I already knew some players like Enock Kwateng (Bordeaux defender), but also the Ayew brothers ... They played in France for a long time, we exchanged a lot.

As soon as I had a problem or a question, I would go through them.

It really made my integration easier.

You are bi-national, your mother is French and your father is Ghanaian.

Is this a form of accomplishment in your career?

I have always had this goal of playing for Ghana in the back of my mind and the federation has been following me since my visit to Bastia (2014-2017).

I have given myself time to reflect for a long time but, at 26, I am coming of age and it is the right time to accept this selection.

Before, I was focused on my club career but I had the feeling that becoming international would accompany my progress.

So you started with the defeat against Mali 3-0 and then against Qatar (5-1 victory) ... What conclusions do you draw from this gathering?

It's rather mixed!

But you have to know that we were a lot of new players, a dozen in total ... It's really a renewal for Ghana.

The coach (Charles Akonnor) called a lot of young people who are playing in Europe ... So we knew it was going to be difficult at the start, especially in terms of automatisms, it was the first time we met.

Fortunately, after Mali, we made up for it well against Qatar and it was good to finish on a good note.

It must be quite exhilarating to participate in this new adventure ...

We know that there are management players.

I mentioned earlier the Ayew brothers but there is also Thomas Partey.

Others did not come because it was the moment for the manager to test and I think they will be back at the next rally.

I'm very happy to have joined this group but now it's up to me to work every day to come back and integrate the selection for good.

What are your goals with this Ghanaian selection?

First, it will obviously be necessary to qualify for the CAN in 2022 and then, why not win it?

The Black Stars are often placed but they have never won a trophy (note: they won four CAN but the last time was in 1982).

They were semi-finalists (2012, 2013, 2017), in the final (2010, 2015), so it's a major goal.

Afterwards, we will also have to think about the World Cup in 2022. I remember their saga in South Africa in 2010 when they reached the quarter-finals ... Why not do the same type of course again?

The situation is more complicated for Strasbourg.

Your club is 18th in Ligue 1 (3 points in seven days).

How do you explain these difficulties

We had a truncated physical preparation because of the Covid-19 epidemic.

Ten players were positive, including myself, it disturbed us.

We've lost a lot of points since the start of the season, but now everyone has regained their physical strength.

Frankly, there is no panic, no particular worry.

You just have to stop calculating and earn as many points as possible.

And to achieve this, Strasbourg will be able to count on the Senegalese Habib Diallo, transferred from Metz at the very end of the transfer window.

Is it a beneficial arrival?

Ah yes, for sure!

He is a very physical attacker, he is very imposing in front, he also has very good ball protection and he is above all a formidable finisher.

Last year, he scored 12 goals in Ligue 1, I hope he will do the same with us!

But I don't have a lot of doubts.

With this reinforcement, we will find the offensive efficiency that we lack.

(Interview carried out before the 7th day of Ligue 1. Strasbourg lost 3-2 at home despite a goal from Senegalese Habib Diallo

Ghanaian Alexander Djiku wants to "integrate for good" the selection

Ghanaian Alexander Djiku wants to "integrate for good" the selection

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