From Rio de Janeiro,
By our correspondent
Are you frustrated not to be able to start the season with Lyon?
Injuries are always frustrating. I got this one during training in a choc with Lovren. I’m out for three months. It’s hard considering that last year I had another injury while playing for the Selecao. I just hope I won’t get injured again until the end of my career. I’ll be back in Lyon next Wednesday after having rest in Brazil with my family. I hope to be back in the group by September, October. But you know, even injured I’m smiling.
Is the environment better at Lyon this season?
It’s always better to work with a smile. And it’s the case for now. Everyone is in a better mood and it changes everything. I’m sure will reach some of our objectives. Today, we talk and things are simple and honest. The group is happy and it’s so different from last year.
On which level?
With Puel* it was complicated. It wasn’t all bad! We learned a lot with him and even if sometimes it was difficult, I want to remember the good things. Today it’s like a new start. I’m confident because everyone feels good in the group and it is essential in order to play together.
Which will be your position in the team this season?
I talked with Remy Garde during our tour in Austria. I told him that my favourite position is in the centre behind one or two forwards. I can play on the left as well. But whatever the position, I want to help my team.
Michel Bastos is finally staying at Lyon….
It is very good news. He is a polyvalent player and can be decisive. He is always very dangerous on set pieces. I’m happy he is staying with us.
Can Cris return as the Policeman**?
He is one of the best defenders in the French League. I found last year’s critics against him unfair. He helps the team a lot, with his experience and serenity. He deserves to be our captain and we rely on him. This year, you will see, he will shut the critics up.
Did you want to leave Lyon this summer?
No! My agent was in contact with a few teams (including Roma) but I didn’t want to leave. I like the new project. We are starting on new basis and relying on the youth. I like it so much that I’m thinking of renewing my contract (which ends in June 2012). The club made me an offer. I feel I’m being trusted and it gives me the will to continue. We’ll talk about that in the coming week.
*Claud Puel was Lyon coach for three years. He didn’t win any title with the club but reached the Semi Final of the Champions League. He had one year remaining on his contract but the club terminated it at the end of last season.
**Cris nickname in the French League is “the Policeman” for his ability to manage the defence.
