Carl Medjani to Echorouk: “Do not ask me about Morocco. Qualification to Africa Cup 2012 is the most important”

French club Ajaccio ends the first stage of the second division in sixth place with 29 points having achieved a draw before FC Istres. Algerian international Carl Medjani played a key role in the club and was as usual brilliant in the line of defense. To find out about the performance of his club during the back stage and his vision of the future, Echorouk called him.

Echorouk: You ended the first stage with a positive draw before FC Istres in its stadium. Tell us about this match?

Carl Medjani: Frankly, I am not satisfied with this draw, because we were able to win three points. We were better than them by 2-0 before they return at the end of the second half. I think we missed victory that was within our grasp, if we were winners, we could have been occupied the third place, but this is football and we must train better during the winter holidays in order to be ready for a strong return of the tournament.

Echorouk: How could you evaluate your personal performance during the first stage?

Carl Medjani: With the exception of matches where I was absent because of punishment, I participated regularly in the starting lineup, a factor which gave me a stronger competition and place me in a key position in the team. I am satisfied with my performance because a showed a good performance both as a defender and as a central defender.

Echorouk: Rumors and talk about possible changes increase with the coming of the winter season. What is your situation?

Carl Medjani: Currently, I enjoy holidays after the end of the first stage. I try to take a rest after a tough period. I do not receive any formal offer so far, but things may develop in the next few days.

Echorouk: This means that there is a big possibility to leave Ajaccio during the winter transfer season?

Carl Medjani: I did not say this, but in football we cannot confirm thing hundred percent, but most likely I will stay in Ajaccio until the end of the season, especially that my contract will expire next June.

Echorouk: After a tough beginning it the tournament, you club was able to come back strongly due to the good results it achieved in the recent matches. Will Ajaccio play for reaching the first division?

Carl Medjani: The championship is very difficult and surprises may occur. The second division noticed many changes and clubs are close to each others, therefore, we have to be very careful during the return because the task will become more difficult. We must first ensure the formal stay then we will think of the possibility to play for reaching the first division.

Echorouk: When will you return to trainings? 

Carle Medjani: We chose the return on January 3, 2011 to resume the tournament on January 15. Currently, I am on holidays and I want to take advantage of this period in order to take a rest, because last summer I only got 10 days off, due to my participation with the Algerian team in the World Cup South Africa.

Echorouk: Speaking about the Algerian team. You were able to impose yourself in the squad and you were a key player in the last two matches against Luxemburg and Central Africa.

Carl Medjani: I am proud of playing for the Algerian team. Participation in the WC South Africa gave me a great confidence and motivated me even more to work harder for the team of my homeland.

Echorouk: Tell us about your relationship with the new coach Benshikha?

Carl Medjani: I respect him because he knows his task. It is true that his beginning was difficult after the defeat against Central Africa and draw before Luxemburg, but I am sure that he will revise this for the coming matches.

Echorouk: The Algerian team will face Tunisia in a friendly match on February 9 in July 5^th stadium in anticipation to the derby against Morocco. What are your comments?

Carl Medjani: I think the match before Tunisia will be a good test for the Desert Warriors, especially as this team resembles the Moroccan team.

Echorouk: How can you describe the coming match against Morocco?

Carl Medjani: I do not want to talk about it now, because it’s too far to talk about these details. I will answer you in the right time, but the most important is qualification to the Africa Cup.    

Echorouk: Something else to add?

Carl Medjani: I wish a happy new year to all Algerians and I promise fans to do the best efforts in order to bring joy to their hearts during the Africa Cup 2012.