Samir Zaoui to Echorouk: “We have no other alternative but to beat Egypt”

In an interview with “Echorouk” the Algerian international defender, Samir Zaoui, has declared not feeling any pressure a week before the crucial match versus Egypt in Blida stadium. He said that the players had been feeling good away from the fans’ stress in Algeria since their departure to France for a 9-day training camp there.

• Q: How is the team’s spirit five days before the big match versus Egypt?
• A: Actually excellent, I think that it was a good idea to move to France for the preparation of this event, in the sense that we have avoided some fans’ pressure in Algeria that impacted negatively on a number of players.
• Q: Do you feel that this pressure eased somewhat a week before the match versus the Pharaohs?
• A: The technical staff led by Rabah Saadane has done a tremendous psychological job which helped us overcome the mental obstacle, which I consider extremely important, before the big match. A complex like “ Le Castelli” provides the ideal environment for the concentration of any player.
• Q: Any comment on the players who belatedly joined the training camp ?
• A: I think that all the latecomers had their reasons, there are some who took part with their respective clubs in the different championships while others were with their families; but I think that everybody will be ready on D Day.
• Q: You showed great capacities during the training sessions, do you expect to be among the starting line- up?
• A: Every player dreams of taking part in the match versus Egypt, but the last word goes to the head coach who will choose the 18 players. As professionals we have to respect his choice and concentrate only on our task.