Joane Gadou: "We're ready and eager"
As the Championnat National U19 final against Auxerre draws ever closer, Paris’s youngsters will have the chance to banish all memories of their defeat to Nantes in last season’s final. 17-year-old centre-back Joane Gadou talks to us about next Sunday’s title decider.
Joane, there's only one game left: the Championnat National U19 final! How are you feeling with a week to go until the game?
"This week has been pretty easy going. The coach has said that we'll have this weekend off so that we can rest and start focusing on what's to come. We'll work hard next week in order to turn up to the final in the best possible shape."
What kind of mindset is the squad in?
"The squad is very focused. Last year, we lost the final to Nantes, so we want to get our own back. We're ready for it and will give everything out on the pitch."
Is that defeat still on your minds?
"Yes, it's obviously stayed on our minds, but we know that this is a different generation and a different team. Also, we'll be playing against Auxerre, not Nantes. We'll have to do the same again and more to win this year's final."
Can last year's defeat help you here?
"Of course. I think that the mistakes that we made then will help us to win this year's match."
How is the squad feeling?
"Highly motivated, highly focused and looking forward to this final. We've worked hard all season long to get here, and we're ready and eager for it."
Does this game also give certain players the chance to finish their development cycle in the best way possible?
"Exactly. It's the end of a cycle for the 2006 generation, and I think that finishing it on a high would be the best possible gift!"
