Désiré Doué : « Today I'm there, so I'm giving it my all »

After the stumble at Strasbourg, how would you assess the situation in the league?
The coach talked about the route. As he said, that's more important than the destination. We're focusing on Monaco. We're going to take game after game, we have to prepare them like finals. All we have left is the championship, so we're going to give it everything we've got and we'll do the final reckoning at the end. We'll get what we deserve. I wouldn't call it a slump, but every match has its own story. The Strasbourg game was a dud, but the French Cup is a different story, as we came up against a great Paris SG side. We're concentrating on getting a good result in Monaco. 

After Paris, Monaco, another big game...
Of course they're a very good team, they're in the top half of Ligue 1, but we mustn't be afraid of anyone. We're preparing for this match with desire and ambition.

Tu es enfant du club, ça fait quoi d’évoluer au Roazhon Park ? 
Guéla Doué and I have been with the club for twelve years. I started when I was six, so I've known the place for a long time. It's a pleasure to be here, to be at the club. Fighting for Stade Rennais and wearing its colours on a daily basis has been my dream since I was a kid, to play professionally and to play at Roazhon Park. I'm here now, so I'm giving it my all.

What's your favourite position?
I've been lucky enough to play in a number of positions since I started playing professionally, and that's given me a lot of experience. I have a preferred position and the coach knows that. If he plays me in a particular position every weekend, it's because he thinks I can perform, and that's the most important thing. 

You're a very technical player, and you've shown that you're capable of progressing further down the field.
Of course, I like scoring goals and making assists, but today I'm concentrating on what I can bring to the team. Whether I'm playing lower down, higher up or on the flanks, I have to put myself at the service of the team. Making penultimate passes, recovering balls and making efforts are just as important as scoring a goal. 

Do you like catching balloons?
When I play in the number 6 position, it forces me to be disciplined. It's a defensive effort that's not necessarily in my nature, but I've learnt to do it. I also enjoy helping the team recover balls, take them higher up the pitch and distribute them. I'm learning on a daily basis, and the No. 6 position is allowing me to gain in maturity and composure.