Stade Brestois 29 have had a superb first half of the season, and even been in first place (after Matchday Six), are you surprised by such results?

It’s a good start to the season, whether in the way we play or in terms of the number of points in the table. We have been playing like this for a while -- starting in the last three months of last season where we ensured our survival. This period united us. Having experienced something like this has been beneficial for this season. Because the squad has changed little and now knows each other well. We are looking all of our opponents in the eye. And even during defeats, like in Marseille and against PSG, we managed to impose our style of play. That's why we have to keep positive. Regardless of our opponent, coach Éric Roy wants us to be involved in the match. It’s important not to struggle, and to play with our values.

And what are the values of Stade Brestois 29?

We put a lot of intensity into our duels. We also try to play quickly forward, to find the run of our attackers. I think we are one of the teams that crosses the most in Ligue 1 Uber Eats (234 crosses in the game, first in this statistic). We want to bring danger into the opposing penalty area, and to be a tough team to play against.

This is particularly the case at home, at the Stade Francis-Le Blé, where you have a very positive record. How do you explain these statistics?

It's something wonderful! There is a bit of a special atmosphere in this stadium, which always allows us to have a chance of getting something. There is a special connection that has been created with our supporters. It's hard to explain, but I would say we are especially motivated when we play at home. In this stadium there are often spectacular matches with twists and turns.

Can you tell us about this stadium? It is a rather unique stadium, because it is in the middle of the city with stands close to the pitch, a bit in the English style...

I have always liked this ground, even when I was playing for Saint-Étienne. I found it special. And it’s not easy to come and play there. There is often a little wind or rain. But for us, it's perfect. Because our supporters are always present and behind us. We want to give (this energy) back to them, because they are kind to their team.

Do you have different playing principles at home compared to your away matches?

At Le Blé, the staff asks us to get stuck in to the match, to have extra intensity in the first quarter of an hour. We know that if we get a corner or if we do something good, it will put the crowd behind us. This is one of our strengths. It’s not easy to come and play against us.

How is the atmosphere different when you play at home?

Firstly because there are the ultras. When we attack in front of their stand, it makes you want to score. You know if you score, they're going to make some noise! Their stand is not very big, but there are a lot of people. They are always singing from the beginning to the end of the match, and even after. And we always try to savor the victories with them. There are also other people who come to the stadium who also add their voices.

And when they come to the stadium, it's to see the team win...

I don't think it's a fanbase that is asking too much. They know that we are not one of the biggest teams in the league even if we have our weapons. I think they are already happy if they see us work hard for the shirt.

Is there now more atmosphere with this run of victories in Ligue 1 Uber Eats?

A little bit, but the atmosphere has never been bad at Le-Blé. The fans have always supported us, even in bad times when we lost matches. The main thing for them is to see us give everything on the pitch. If we can give them all three points, so much the better! After a victory, the one who scored takes the megaphone and sings with the ultras. It’s always the same song: “We are the Ty-Zefs.” It's our tradition. You have to come to hear it. I had the chance to do it once, against Toulouse last season (3-1 victory with a goal from Mahdi Camara, April 2023). I set the stadium on fire (laughs)!

How would you compare this atmosphere with that of Le Chaudron (Saint-Étienne's ground) which you knew very well?

It's not really the same thing. In Saint-Étienne, the stadium is larger and with two kops. There is also a lot of noise, you have difficulty hearing yourself. Everyone knows that it is one of the best atmospheres in Europe. Here in Brest, there are fewer people, but the atmosphere is just as good.

After experiencing derbies between ASSE and OL, what are those between Breton clubs like?

Last year for the match in Lorient, I remember that there were people who came from Brest. It was great to see such support from the fans. There was a stand full of Brestois; these are good rivalries.