Rafik Djebbour to Echorouk: “It is amazing to play against Gerard, Ferdinand, Rooney and John Terryâ€
Algeria's team striker Rafik Djebbour
Algerian fans call him a « Sniper » and Coach Rabah Saadane describes him as a strange player, but he always acknowledges that he is one of the principle players and most effective for scoring, therefore, he has a lot to do in the World Cup.
- Echorouk met Rafik Djebbour outside the hotel where the Desert Warriors reside. He said he is sorry because he was absent during the Africa Cup finals and asserted he is ready to play amazing World Cup matches.
- Tell us about your daily activities in the hotel.
- I often watch TV in my room or play video games, practice my prayer and read the Koran.
- Are you one of the few committed players?
- No, there is a group of committed players; therefore, I thank the team’s officials because they reserved a room for prayer.
- So, atmosphere is amazing in the hotel.
- Atmosphere is wonderful in the hotel and we are one family. Coach Rabah Saadane told me to take a rest on Thursday and it was an occasion to see my family members who visited me.
- They missed you.
- Yes, and me too, I was very happy to see them, especially my mother, who always illuminate my way.
- What are the real reasons behind you late presence for the training camp?
- There are no real reasons; everyone knows that I was busy with my club, which competed for the Africa League of Champions, and as long as it was late, joining the Algerian team’s training camp was postponed.
- Coach Rabah Saadane was annoyed when you did not answer his calls.
- I know, I lost my phone slide and I was receiving many calls from Algeria, but I called the officials and told them I will be present in the training camp.
- Algerian fans wonder about your health situation in light of the curse of injuries suffered by many players.
- Thanks Allah, I am better since returning and I play regularly.
- Perhaps being far from competition was the cause of losing Africa Cup.
- Rafik Djebbour: It was a real shock at first, but I respected the decision of Rabah Saadane and I accepted his choice. I was without a team and I beg him to summon me because the dream of any player is to play for his country, but ultimately I than k him because he gave me the chance to prove that I deserve playing for Algeria.
- Perhaps the poor performance in attack was the reason of your quick return.
- I do not think so; I worked hard in the team, and I proved that I can play again and show good performance, and then I was summoned. Playing in World Cup is the dream of any player. For me carrying the Algerian colours in a global event is a great responsibility.
- What are the real causes that made you out of Africa Cup?
- Some people did their best in order to let me out of the Africa Cup team. There was a conspiracy against me.
- Can you tell us who these people are?
- It is a secret. What I can say is that Coach Rabah Saadane did the right choice. Now I am preparing to play in World Cup and I have to show a high level for my Algerian fans.
- So, World Cup is an opportunity to avenge those who hurt you.
- Not at that extent, World Cup is a large event, important to any player. Africa Cup is over and I am focusing on South Africa. I wish I would honour Algeria.
- We hope you will solve the problem of attack.
- I wish I would score many goals. It is a heavy burden, but my teammates will contribute to reach that.
- Saadane chooses only three strikers. What can you say about it?
- I think the coach is the only one who can see such things. All I know is that I am here to score.
- Who is the player you wish he would play by your side?
- We are all Algerian players with the aim of showing the best representation of African, Arab and Algerian football.
- How do you expect the chances of Algeria’s team in the World Cup?
- It is a difficult task, but this does not mean that we will be out of the race. We will try to enter strongly into competition since its beginning, and then reach positive result.
- What do you mean by positive result?
- I think the best result is winning a World Cup.
- What will you feel while playing against English Stars?
- It is amazing to play against Gerard, Ferdinand, Rooney and John Terry.
- The English team thinks you are a modest team.
- This is good, because it would ease pressure on us.