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Moussa Sissoko gives his latest interview to French media

8 years ago
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Moussa Sissoko has given his latest interview to French media ahead of the game against Everton today.

The Newcastle midfielder covered a range of topics when speaking to Le Parisien.

Sissoko thinks that his best position is in the middle of the pitch where he can have more influence on the game and be a ‘box to box’ player as he was at Toulouse.

Moussa Sissoko doesn’t think that playing for a relegation threatened team will harm his chances of appearing at the 2016 Euros and points out his continued selection by Didier Deschamps as proof of that.

As for the usual Champions League question, the player says that nothing has changed in that respect and he still wants to play in the top European competition but he is patient and accepts he may have to wait a ‘year or two’

Moussa Sissoko has no explanation for why he is the only French player left standing and getting a regular game at Newcastle, though in the case of Florian Thauvin he thinks the winger has lost out because of the (4-2-3-1) formation that Steve McClaren has gone with.

Moussa Sissoko speaking to Le Parisien:

Have you feared for your place at the Blues (France) early in the season when Newcastle were last on the list (in relegation zone)?

“No, because I do not think a call is linked to the results of the team. Besides, I continued to be called.”

Some players suffer from their versatility?

“I can evolve in the middle or on one side. It is an asset, but everyone knows that my preferred position is in the axis. This is where I express myself best but, if I play right as at Newcastle, I do it without grumbling.”

What have you gained from your Premier League transfer in January 2013?

“In Toulouse, I already had the profile of a box to box player. In England, I learned to continue my efforts for 90 minutes. I really progress in this area. I have also matured and my performances are more consistent.”

And in terms of effectiveness?

“In terms of assists, okay, but I need to improve myself in terms of finishing. I get a lot of opportunities but this year I have not scored.”

Why are you the last French player to play regularly in Newcastle?

“Good question, but you would have to ask the coach. Other French are quality players. I wouldn’t say they are not working well, but it may be up to them to do more. If the player is good, whether French, Japanese or Dutch, he plays.”

What’s going on with Thauvin playing little in recent months?

“When Flo came, he played the first matches. Then it was a little less well. The coach has implemented a new system and he lost playing time. But he must cling to return to the 11. He will get a chance sooner or later. He’s smart, he’ll get there.”

Do you still have the ambition to join a club playing Champions League?

“I always want that but everything is about timing. For now, I do not play it (Champions League), but I’m patient. This may come in a year or two years. I await my hour calmly.”

Who is Moussa Sissoko?

“A normal guy who does not like making too much noise. I’m quite a homebody, I spend much time with my family and friends. I’m not married but I have a son who does not live with me. He resides in Paris, so I try to be there for him and to see him as often as possible. An hour and a quarter flight, it is not far away.”

Newcastle the city?

“There are lots of things to do but I limit myself to shopping and restaurants with friends. There, football is a religion. So I am stopped on the street, but the English know how to separate things. When I am with family, they give me a little sign or some encouragement. It does not go away.

Are you still an avid viewer of ‘Young and the Restless’?

“Yes, I watch this series daily but I also watch ‘The Wire’, ‘Breaking Bad’, ‘Narco’ … My favorite series is ‘Prison Break’.”

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