Interview | Nicolas Pépé for Eurosport: “Here in Villarreal, I find this taste of pleasure again”

Nicolas Pépé, what is your state of mind before facing Real Madrid on Saturday?

Nicolas Pépé: I feel good and in high spirits after our strong start to the season. We have an important match against Real Madrid. It’s second place against third. We are preparing well for this game and aiming to come back with a positive result.

You will be up against either Antonio Rüdiger or Aurélien Tchouaméni. How do you expect to perform against these opponents?

NP: It’s true that we are going to play one of the best teams in the world. Competing against Antonio Rüdiger will be interesting. I’ve played against him before, so I know how to handle it.

Villarreal is currently third in La Liga. Are you aiming for a Top 4 finish at the end of the season?

NP: We definitely need to aim for European competition. Given the quality of our squad, we should aim as high as possible.

On a personal level, you’ve had a great start to the season with Villarreal. What do you think accounts for this return to form after a few challenging years?

NP: I’ve begun the season well and I believe I can improve even further. I didn’t have a summer preparation, but I adapted quickly to this group, which welcomed me warmly. Unfortunately, a minor injury kept me out of two matches, but I was able to return to the pitch swiftly.

You’ve created several chances in your recent matches, indicating you’re physically in good shape…

NP: The physical aspect is important, but the mental side also plays a big role. When you are given a lot of confidence, it becomes much easier for any player. When your teammates trust you, it allows you to express yourself and move freely. I work on learning the language quickly to integrate as efficiently as possible. On the pitch, there is also the footballing language, and I can understand the players in this squad well.

You mention the trust of your teammates. Do you also feel that from your coach, Marcelino?

NP: Absolutely. That was a key reason for me coming here. Before everything was finalized, I had a phone call with him. He spoke to me extensively about football and life beyond the sport. That convinced me. Marcelino has a big heart. He is a coach who knows how to instill confidence in all his players because he understands its importance, and that’s true for me as well. I also have many sessions with his video assistants to understand the rationale behind certain moves and learn how to assist my teammates in getting the ball to specific areas. Here, I’ve rediscovered the joy of engaging with a new football culture.

Did he insist on Villarreal signing you?

NP: Yes, definitely. Things moved quickly. Éric Bailly called me to inform me that the coach had expressed interest in me. He asked what my plans were: to continue my career in Europe or move to the Gulf countries. What mattered to me was the club’s project. Once I spoke with Marcelino, the decision was made quickly.

Nicolas Pépé feels the trust of his teammates at Villarreal.

Marcelino told me: ‘if you find that desire to put in the effort, you will be rewarded’. This statement resonated with me and so far, it’s proving true.

Did he say anything in particular that struck you?

NP: At one point, he mentioned: ‘if you find that desire to make the effort, you will be rewarded’. That really stuck with me, and up until now, it’s working. We’re all enjoying ourselves together; we’re in third place, which is great, and we must keep it up.

Marcelino spent barely two months with OM. What are his strengths?

NP: He is a coach who appreciates having possession of the ball frequently, even against top teams. The players’ reaction after losing possession is also crucial for him. Additionally, when we can counterattack, we do so since we have the players for it.

Do you feel that the Arsenal chapter (2019-2022) is behind you for good?

NP: Arsenal was a significant step in my career. Playing for the Gunners is something I’ll always remember. I won titles (the Cup and the Community Shield in 2020) with this great club, so it wasn’t a negative experience. I only remember the positives. I wouldn’t say that the Arsenal chapter is completely behind me; rather, it will stay with me throughout my career.

I have moved on from Arsenal. I harbor no resentment toward Mikel Arteta.

After your excellent 2018-19 season at Lille, you opted to join Arsenal despite interest from Napoli. Do you regret your decision now?

NP: No, not at all. At that time, I had a nearly hour-long conversation with Unai Emery, where he elaborated on how he intended to include me in the team. That clearly won me over. As for Napoli, I also had a brief conversation with Carlo Ancelotti that lasted four or five minutes. For me, that made a significant difference.

Did you find it challenging to cope with the transfer fee (80 million euros) to Arsenal?

NP: No. It wasn’t my decision to set that amount. That’s just how the market works. It’s becoming increasingly common. Considering the reviews later on was frustrating for me, but it didn’t impact me too much personally.

Do you hold Mikel Arteta accountable for your lack of playing time toward the end of your time with the Gunners?

NP: Honestly, I’ve moved on. I bear no grudges. I sincerely wish him all the best.

Social media poses a serious threat to players’ mental health. You can claim it doesn’t affect you to save face, but when you go home, you know it impacts you subconsciously.

In an interview last July with L’Équipe, you mentioned contemplating ending your career due to the online hatred you faced. When was this turning point?

NP: It was in the summer of 2020, after my first season at Arsenal. The criticism really affected me. When you feel frustrated or tense, it shows on the pitch. I reached a breaking point when it started to affect my family. Suddenly, I dreaded going to training and playing matches. Thankfully, I had a supportive network around me that encouraged me to continue. Things improved in my second season.

How did this online hostility manifest in your daily life?

NP: Unfortunately, it’s become fashionable to target certain players for attention. These individuals don’t realize the toxicity they propagate. Even former players criticising current players can be traumatic. They should remember they have been in our shoes too.

Should clubs take better measures to prepare players for dealing with this issue?

NP: Young players need to be educated about this from their training centers. Social media is incredibly dangerous for their mental health. You might claim it doesn’t affect you, but deep down, you know it does. This can significantly impact your performance because it is a traumatic experience. Players are vulnerable to this, and not enough is being done to stop the harassment. I hope that clubs will implement more preventive measures in the future.

I don’t want to prove to others that Nicolas Pépé has returned. I want to demonstrate to myself that I am capable of performing.

During the 2022-23 season, you were loaned to Nice. Injuries limited your appearances. How do you view that period?

NP: My time in Nice was a mixed experience. On a club level, it was excellent; I was warmly welcomed, and I met some wonderful players. The president (Jean-Pierre Rivère) ensured that I came, and he was fantastic. However, regarding my performances on the field, injuries (to a knee and then a calf between January and April 2023) hindered my development. During the return leg of the C4 quarter-final against Berne, I played almost on one leg. My condition was worsening.

How did you react to missing the opportunity against the Bern goalkeeper at Allianz Riviera?

NP: In that instance, I didn’t choose my right foot because I was worried about injuring myself. I couldn’t shoot with my right foot due to my injury. Had I done so, I might have faced a five or six-month setback. My teammates understood, but the fans did not. When the public isn’t aware of the circumstances, they can be quick to criticize or insult. My regret is that Nice supporters judged me based on just one match, without understanding the full context.

Nicolas Pépé (Nice) impressed against Montpellier, Wednesday January 11, 2023. / Ligue 1

After all these experiences, do you feel vindicated now at Villarreal?

NP: Honestly, I don’t have any feelings of revenge. I spent the 2023-24 season in Turkey (Trabzonspor), where I felt somewhat overlooked. Personally, I know my worth. I don’t need to show others that Nicolas Pépé has returned. What matters is proving to myself that I am capable of performing.

Nicolas Pépé Prepares to Face Real Madrid: Insights and Reflections

Nicolas Pépé: A Confident Mindset Ahead of the Clash

Nicolas Pépé: “After our good start to the season, I am feeling good and in a good state of mind. A big match awaits us against Real Madrid. It is the second who receives the third. We are preparing well for this meeting and to try to come back with a good result.” His optimistic outlook showcases his readiness to take on one of the world’s most formidable teams.

Facing Tough Opponents

Opposite, there will be a response with Antonio Rüdiger or Aurélien Tchouaméni. How do you plan to fare against these adversaries?

“It’s true that we are going to play one of the best teams in the world. It’s going to be interesting to be pitted against Antonio Rüdiger. I’ve faced him before, so I know how to play,” Pépé states, revealing his confidence in his ability to navigate tough matchups.

Villarreal’s Ambitions in La Liga

Villarreal are currently third in La Liga. Are you aiming for the Top 4 at the end of the season?

NP: “It is certain that we must aim for Europe. Given the quality of this squad, we must aim as high as possible.” His statement underlines the aspirations of Villarreal to secure a prestigious position in the league.

A Personal Comeback: Pépé’s Return to Form

On a personal level, you have had a very good start to the season with Villarreal. How do you explain this return to form after several difficult years?

“I’m having a good start to the season and I can do even better. I didn’t have any summer preparation, but I was able to adapt very quickly with this group who welcomed me very well. Unfortunately, a minor injury prevented me from playing two matches, but I was able to return to the field quickly,” Pépé explains, sharing his journey of resilience after experiencing setbacks.

Physical and Mental Fitness

You have created several chances during your last matches. You seem to be in good shape physically…

NP: “There is the physical state but also the mental aspect. When you are given a lot of confidence, it becomes a lot easier for any player. When teammates trust you, it’s easier to express yourself and move.” This balanced approach emphasizes the importance of mental strength in achieving peak performance.

Building Trust with Leadership

You evoke the trust of your partners. Do you also feel that of your coach, Marcelino?

NP: “Of course. That’s what convinced me to come here. Before things happened, I had a phone conversation with him. He spoke to me a lot about football and life outside of sport. That convinced me.” Pépé reveals how his connection with Marcelino has played a significant role in his recent success.

Marcelino’s Impact on Pépé’s Game

“Marcelino has a big heart. He’s a coach who manages to give a lot of confidence to all his players because he knows it matters, and that’s the case for me anyway.” Through thoughtful coaching strategies, Marcelino has been pivotal in Pépé’s career revival.

Pépé’s Journey: From Arsenal to Villarreal

Did he insist that Villarreal sign you?

NP: “Clearly, yes. In fact, things happened quite quickly. Éric Bailly called me to tell me that the coach had inquired about me.” This rapid transition highlights the mutual interest between Pépé and Villarreal’s management.

Reflections on Past Experiences

Do you have the impression that the Arsenal chapter (2019-2022) is definitely behind you?

NP: “Arsenal remains a big step forward in my career. Playing with the Gunners remains unforgettable… The Arsenal chapter, I wouldn’t say what it is behind me but rather that it will accompany me until the end of my career.” His memories with Arsenal showcase his gratefulness and growth despite challenges faced.

Coping with Online Criticism

In an interview, you mentioned considering ending your career due to online hatred. How did this impact you?

NP: “It was in the summer of 2020 after my first season at Arsenal. All these criticisms frustrated me. When you are frustrated… it’s thanks to these people that I continued.” Pépé highlights the mental health crisis modern athletes face.

The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

“Social networks are very, very dangerous for the mental health of players. I think that young players should be made aware from the training center,” he stresses. Increased support systems and preparedness can alleviate the negative impacts of criticism.

Looking Back at Recent Seasons

How do you view your time at Nice and the injuries that hindered your performances?

NP: “My time in Nice was mixed… Concerning my performances on the field, I was bothered by these injuries.” He shares a reflective stance on the ups and downs of his recent career.

Lessons Learned from Setbacks

After all these experiences, do you feel vindictive today with Villarreal?

NP: “Frankly, I’m not at all vengeful… I am keen to show myself that I am capable of performing.” This outlook reflects Pépé’s positive mindset as he seeks to redefine his career.

Performance Statistics: A Season to Remember

Statistic	Value
Goals Scored	5
Assists	4
Matches Played	10
Minutes Played	900+

Conclusion: Nicolás Pépé’s Road Ahead

Pépé’s journey has been filled with challenges and triumphs. His success at Villarreal embodies a remarkable comeback as he navigates a new chapter in his career with confidence and determination. As the team gears up to face Real Madrid, Pépé’s reflections provide insight into the mindset needed to succeed at the highest level.