2023-11-23 17:20:14
– Guillaume Maillard: “Things in me must change”
Currently injured and having had a mixed start to the season, the GE Servette striker is venting his frustration by thinking positively.
Published today at 6:20 p.m.
Guillaume Maillard was the Eagles’ top scorer during the second day of the National League. Things went less well for the attacker followingwards.
BASTIEN GALLAY / GALLAYPHOTO
Guillaume Maillard, back in Geneva this summer, has been champing at the bit since the start of the season. The 25-year-old striker, who started the championship on a wing of the Eagles’ fourth block, never managed to refocus. Pushed back to the rank of 13th offensive man, or even relegated to the stands, the ex-Lausannois will miss GE Servette’s trip to Ambri this Friday, like the reception in Berne on Saturday. Because his adductors are whistling. Rather than lament, the player hangs on. He engages in self-criticism rather than turning once morest his coach’s choices. And he explains it.
Lately, on the match sheet, you have had the status of “extra” then “injured”. Where are you?
I’m affected in the adductors and it’s going to take a little time. We look at it day by day. I would have liked to play this week, but you have to be patient. We’ll see, I hope to be operational for next week’s matches.
“I am someone who knows how to question himself. I came here to learn to be a champion, a fighter.”
Guillaume Maillard, GE Servette striker
And how is morale going following this mixed first part of the season for you?
You can find negatives in my start to the season, but I always try to look at the positives. I am someone who knows how to question himself. I came here to learn how to be a champion, a fighter. It’s difficult, because I didn’t play as much as I hoped. I understand that it’s going to take time and a lot of work to get where I want. But I keep my spirits up, I tell myself that the work will pay off. I knew it would be difficult, we talked regarding it before the season with Jan Cadieux. There are things in me that need to change.
This is undoubtedly what the coach wanted to tell you when you found yourself in the stands while a defender occupied the position of 13th attacker…
Yes, it was to tell me that something had to happen in me, that I had a reaction. At that moment, he needed players to bring energy and he chose to line up Mike (editor’s note: Völlmin) up front. I obviously have nothing once morest Mike and I respect the coach’s decisions, but it was very frustrating. At the time, it took a toll on my morale. But I quickly told myself that it was up to me to do something to change the situation.
“Jan told me: ‘If I’m hard on you, it’s because the team needs you and I expect a lot from you’
Guillaume Maillard, GE Servette striker
What to do, what to change?
If I don’t play, there are reasons. There are lots of details to work on in training and in the strength room. The coach wants me to be more active with my cane, to gain intensity. I have no choice and I want to do everything to improve myself. Even if it’s hard at the moment, you have to accept your role. I knew it would be complicated, with the competition, that we would have to fight. I didn’t imagine myself evolving in the first block, I had prepared myself for that, so I’m seeing it well.
Do you fall into the category of players who rely a little too much on their qualities and who, as a result, lack commitment?
I don’t think that’s it… (Small pause). Although… The coach wants more intensity, movement and work on my positioning. I am working in this direction.
The positive is that if he pricks you like this, it’s because the coach believes in you, right?
Jan told me: “If I’m hard on you, it’s because the team needs you and I expect a lot from you.” I know it will come, that the work will pay off. I “take advantage” of this injury to put my mind in place and come back fresh on the ice. I had the same type of problem last season in Lausanne at the same time, then I had a good end to the season. This is also my goal this year.
Simon Meier began his career as a sports journalist in 2000 at the newspaper Le Temps before becoming head of the section. In 2013, he joined the sports editorial staff of Le Matin and Le Matin Dimanche then joined that of Sport-Center for the various titles of Tamedia and 20 minutes.More info
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