J-2 | Benjamin Bourigeaud: "We're confident in our work in training".

How do you feel after the matchday 2 in the Europa League? 
There's bound to be some frustration because we played one half of both games. We were totally subdued in the first half, in every area. We didn't put up a fight together. That's what we lacked. We tried to put things right in the second half, and there were moments when we could have pulled a goal back, but we just couldn't do it. The frustration is mainly with the first half. We were hoping for at least one more point but there are still four games to go. We know what we did wrong, we're aware of that. We're not going to make excuses. We know why we lost. 

You seemed to be more successful offensively at the end of last season...
I remember that last season the team was surgical when it came to finishing. This season, we're a bit disappointed about that, although we're creating quite a few chances. In the European Cup, we know that the slightest mistake pays off in spades. There are still a lot of games to go and we need to use this one to show a different side. We did have a reaction in the second half, and that's something to be proud of.

 

We often come back to the question of how to deal with weak moments...
That's the way it is in football, you know you're not going to dominate all the time. There are bound to be moments of weakness, but you have to know how to deal with them. Since the start of the season, we've managed them well overall, I think, and we haven't conceded many goals, which is reassuring. But the European Cup is merciless. We'd like to play better and be more effective, but this team still has character. We lacked that bit of success in front of goal on Thursday night.

« To stay focused whatever happens »
 

After seven games, the championship is undecided. There's room for a lot of clubs at the top of the table.
The Ligue 1 is very difficult for everyone. There isn't a really dominant team at the moment. That's good, it's a great challenge. It means you have to stay focused no matter what. We'll have to give our all against any team.

What are the benefits of winning the derby? 
There's been an increase in awareness and confidence, but when you look at the content and the results, the start of the season hasn't been all that bad, apart from the draw with Le Havre at home. Two extra points obviously changes things in terms of the league table. We're confident, we're sure of our work in training. The fact that we won the derby was a relief for a lot of people, especially us, the staff and our supporters too. When we signed for Stade Rennais, we all knew that this was the match we didn't want to lose. To do it in such a way was wonderful.

« People like me for that »

Your position has changed this season, are you happy with it?
It's new, yes and no. I've already played in this position with Julien Stéphan. I was also trained in this position with Lens, as an 8 or a 6. It's quite easy to get used to what I'm doing and I'm still able to adapt to the position I'm playing in. Playing alongside Nemanja Matić makes it a lot easier. With Baptiste Santamaria, we've known each other for a while and we've got our bearings. Whatever position I'm in, I always try to do my best. People appreciate me for that and I'll always give my all, it's part of my culture. I do it from the heart.

After scoring 52 goals and joining Laurent Pokou and Alexander Frei as Rennes' top scorers, do you have any new goals? 
Obviously, it's to go as high as possible. When you're on a par with Pokou and Frei... They're names that have left their mark on the club's history. It's always a pleasure to be one of the people who showed Stade Rennais what it's all about. I don't set myself any limits, I try to enjoy myself as much as possible. That's all that matters to me, pleasure and wins. And if I'm not decisive, as long as SRFC wins.

 

What's your take on the new-look PSG? 
They have a lot of new players and a new staff. They're still adjusting. They have a new system and several players are new to the club. We're at home, so we'll have to show them that we're at home and set the pace we've decided on. We're playing PSG, but we want to put the emphasis on teamwork. That's the only way we can beat them. As we saw in the Champions League, Newcastle played as a team. We need to draw inspiration from that to give them a challenge. On top of that, we'll have the fans behind us. It's going to be a great atmosphere. I hope they'll be behind us all the way. When the going gets tough, we'll need them. I hope we'll all have a great season together.

« We want to create a fortress. »
 

Playing PSG with SRFC is a good memory for you.
We gained a lot of confidence by beating them twice last season. They have a lot of star players but we want to beat them. We can do it, we just need to have confidence in our own ability. We're a good team and if we work together, I think we can be difficult to beat, especially at home. We want to create a fortress at Roazhon Park.