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Jérémy Morel had his first selection with Madagascar in November 2018, during a CAN 2019 qualifying match against Sudan. Present in Egypt, he has not yet had the opportunity to play because of ankle injury. Passed by Lorient, Marseille and Lyon, he brings his experience to the Barea. Interview.
From our special envoys to Alexandria,
RFI: This African Cup of Nations is a fantastic adventure for Madagascar. But you got injured before the tournament kicked off. Are you looking forward to playing your first few minutes in this competition ?
Jérémy Morel: Yes, on a personal level, I had the misfortune to hurt myself at the worst moment. Just before coming to Egypt, my ankle turned ... I'm frustrated that I can not help the team. When guys fight on the lawn, we want to help them, especially when things are not going so well. Anyway, I always try to bring something to the group.
How to play a role in the collective while being injured ?
I had the chance to play a lot in Ligue 1 (more than 300 matches, ed). I try to give advice when I'm on the bench or in the locker room. Sometimes I give my opinion on small details to settle. I try to contribute by remaining as modest as possible. For the moment, it is the others who are on the ground and who make the efforts! And I have a lot of confidence in them .
How do you evaluate this Malagasy team ?
We may not be as well armed as some big teams, but it's the mindset that makes the difference. And we have the right state of mind. After, we manage to play, to score. We have quality players and success. And success, you have to provoke it. All lights are green and we must rely on what has been successful against Nigeria including (2-0). On the defensive side, I saw a lot of positive things, with a compact block and takes two, three ... If we manage to keep this level of control, we can hope to go further.
Discovering international football as late as a career is rare. Is the experience even more beautiful with these results beyond your expectations ?
I had come for a human adventure and I found it. We have a lot of fun being together. We get along very well on and off the pitch. Feeling good in a group is rare in a career. And sportingly, we do better than just exist.
It seems that you are not the last to joke and chamber your teammates ?
Yes I like that. For me, it's part of life. To live a month together without messing around would be far too monotonous. And, in the end, there might be tension ... The group lives extremely well and everyone can see it in the field. We are a real collective.
What is your view of the CAN after the first three rounds ?
You have to get used to playing in a stadium that is not full. When we are in Madagascar, the stands are filled. But there is still the atmosphere in Egypt. The present supporters are heard. I thank them because we need them.
By joining the Barea, you have reconnected with your Malagasy origins. Is your feeling of belonging to the Big Island even stronger now ?
Yes ! When we wear the shirt of the selection on the field, we feel necessarily a certain pride. The whole country is behind us. Football is so popular and a national team can bring a lot of joy. The French are well placed to know it. It's the same thing on another level with Madagascar. And we want to extend this moment of happiness.
► Also read: Calendar, results and standings of the Africa Cup