His relatives describe him as a personality shy, reserved.Sidney Govou has yet agreed to deliver to our colleague Edward Jay has an autobiography published last Thursday of the player for a year exile in Greece after the heyday of the OL."It may seem surprising, but I am told often that I am a complex.And then I was convinced that there was great stories to tell, "justifies the person, while sipping a beer ...
Your autobiography is titled "I did not go that far."But could you go further?
I hear it often, but that is not the question.What does it mean to go further?It's good to be ambitious, but I'm already reached exceptional levels I never imagined reaching.Then we can always say that if I had been more studious I could have done better.
You could possibly work in a big European club?
But I've changed in a big European club.OL is a big European club.Of course, I might have played abroad.But I was in France (smile).
English football yet still attracted to you?
It's true, I would have liked.
But it would have been complicated with the British media based on your reputation for partying?
I might have managed to prove that I am not that much (laughs).At least the British media based on facts and photos.If they had seen me in the evening once every two weeks, they would say I am finally someone very good (laughs)
Some of your loved ones feel that you could have a career even richer if you had a different lifestyle.Others do not.What does that inspire you?
I do not think anything.I lived my life as I heard.I did what I wanted to do.Sometimes I exaggerated and I regret it.It was not good.But I never cheated on a football field.I never cheated in training.I always did my job 200%.
These nightlife, it was part of your balance?
I think so.Then we can say that this was not the right way, but for me it was one that suited me.
Knysna?"I was no"
In your book you mention the different coaches that you have directed, including Raymond Domenech that you're more forgiving.Why?
I'm not forgiving.People have this impression because they think he liked me and that I have always selected.It's not my style.I'm just saying it's a good coach.And I maintain.But from the beginning, it is poorly made in its communication with the media.Even if he wanted to show impervious to criticism, on the end it must be very difficult for him to think clearly to make the right decisions.And losing all credibility with the outside world, he also lost a lot of credibility with some players.
You think he should have to leave after Euro 2008?
It is to her credit for wanting to continue, but I think it would have been better for everyone that stops at the time.Especially for him because he then spent two years in the galleys.
You do not save the leaders of the FFF on the episode of the World Cup in South Africa ...
The players are aware of not being at the level where they should have been.Me first.I was useless.But leaders have also had to take responsibility.If Anelka was very poorly handled internally.They should admit they have been absent and have made mistakes.If, as we said, we went to a safari, then they have made a big (laughs) The media should also be aware that they had some responsibility for this failure.Typing of 23 guys, the coach and staff, we could not go very far.It was not possible.
You have you been most called for France for a year.Have you drawn a line on the selection?
No.I know it will be very complicated given my age and the new generation coming.But in football, you never know.Occasionally there are surprises ...
"With the arrival of Perrin, there was a conflict of interest"
Could you sense the end of last season what would happen to the OL this season?
It would be a bit pretentious to say so, but all the elements were not met to get back on track.
Ie?
The situation remained fragile despite our second place in the league.While there has been a good recruitment including the arrival of Yo (Gourcuff), the climate was difficult.He also lacked experienced men.Toul (Jeremy Toulalan) should have played a very important role.Unfortunately it was not right in his head after the World Cup.
We feel that the slight decline in the OL began with Alain Perrin, even if the season ended, paradoxically, a league and cup double?
Most people think.It is true that from that time the club has become more fragile.At the time of Gerard Houllier, many things have happened but remained in-house.With the arrival of coach Perrin, there was a conflict of interest.People who did not like the coach did it on purpose to disclose information in order to weaken.But they also weakened the team and the club.
Is there not also been hiring mistakes?
I'm not sure if there were errors recruitment because the team has every time in terms of enhanced quality players.It is perhaps more at the mental aspect that things have caught.It is perhaps not enough new recruits to understand that this was not the club that would allow them to win titles, but the reverse.Before, when players joined the OL, they would not be those who would lose the team and they gave even more in the field.It makes a big difference.
You do not regret being gone?
Not at all.But I'm not saying this because the OL has struggled this season.Thirteen years was long.I could have my entire career at Lyon.It did not happen and I'm glad to be a party.
What is your assessment of your season with Panathinaikos Athens?
I learned a lot.Another system, another language.It's different.All was not rosy, but has not been chaotic.Far from it.For a while I did not play, but when I settled into the team, it lasted.
"If I had to return to France, it would be to join a project"
What will you do next season?
We'll see.I still have a year's contract.But if I have a good opportunity, I get to go free especially since the club has financial problems.Everyone is happy and me first.
According to the Daily Mirror, you will be coveted by Swansea?
I do not know where that is (laughs).
Wales.And the club has been promoted to the Premier League ...
Oh yeah?I did not know.
And what about Evian?
Now I know better!
It would be funny to see you wear the colors of Evian in terms of your reputation ...
I did not think (laughs).There was a little contact.We'll see.In fact, if I had to return to France, it would be to join a project, not to come and go.
Soon 32 years, how do you see your conversion?
I do not know at all although I think more and more.Ideas are buzzing in my head but it still does not fit.
In the book, your friend Remy Vercoutre believes you could do a very good coach ...
It is not the only one to think.I have been often told.But I do not want for now.I do not see myself coaching.
But would you consider your future in football?
I honestly do not know.For now, I do not say anything at all.May be young and again.
Among the players you have rubbed shoulders and crossed, what is the one that impressed you most?
Zizou, of course.But I was most impressed by all that generation: Zizou, Pat Viera, Nino (Wiltord), Tutu (Thuram), make (Makelele).If I could be a dilettante at the beginning of my career, I evolved from them because I've realized during my first training in the France team that beyond their qualities and their donations, they enormous hump in training.I realized it was the basis of everything.
Finally, all the evidence collected in the book, who is it that you most affected?
(Thinks) I liked the preface of the president (Jean-Michel Aulas) because it has a good analysis (thinking again).Perhaps one of my wife.I knew she knew me well, but she knows me really well (laughs).
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