WHO WOULD BLAME HIM???? OUSTED OUT BY PISTONE AND HUGHES???? BAHH!

So, have you acclimatised to the north of England? Yes, very well. I didn't have any trouble adjusting. People are really great in Newcastle and that makes life much easier.

How did you come to join Newcastle? I was with Paris St Germain for several years but when the Portugese manager Arthur Jorge replaced Alain Giresse as coach in October 98, he chose a group of 13 players to make up his team; even though results weren't convincing it was always the same group who played.

As I was not part of that group, it was obvious he didn't have confidence in me or count on me. It became preferable, therefore, to move abroad in order to play. So that's how I came to Newcastle who were looking for a left-back, in January 99.

Why aren't you playing more often for Newcastle? I was an established member of the team under Ruud Gullit but was injured just after Bobby Robson arrived. Since then I've often been on the bench.

In fact, I think Robson prefers a typically English defence. But I'm working hard and give my best every time I get on the pitch. It will pay off in the end.

So, do you regret your move to Newcastle? No, not at all. I am a fatalist and I take life as it comes.

I've found Newcastle to be a club of equally high calibre as PSG, even if PSG are better known because they are a Parisian club and have already won one of the European cups.

How do you compare Ruud Gullit with Bobby Robson? I'd say there is not as much difference as you might think.

The main one concerns contact with players. Robson has enormous managerial experience. He really knows when and how to talk to players, to put them at ease and say what he has to.

Has your game developed in the Premiership? I think so. In France I was considered an international prospect but my game was judged to be a bit too laid-back for me to reach that level.

Here, the physical level of the Premiership is more intense than in France so I've had to adapt to that. I've worked at it, put on weight and toughened up my game. The Premiership is so physical with total commitment from the players that you have to be at your best physically in order to gain their respect.

So you can see that I have forced myself to extend my style of play. I think I am a more complete player now.

What is the difference between football in England and in France? I think the major difference is not on the pitch but off it. In England, football is a social phenomenon, part of the daily lives of millions of English people. Everyone supports a club whatever their social background and they support them for life.

I think the environment is healthier than in France; there are more spectators and they are more involved and better educated about the game. The English are able to understand and appreciate the work of defenders, by applauding a good tackle for example.

This is rarer in France where people go to watch a match as if it were a theatre performance. French supporters are just glory-hunters.

Aren't you tempted to go back to France? I like it here, though it is true I sometimes miss France. One is more comfortable in one's own country and the lifestyle is easier.

As far as the football is concerned, if I want a cap and have a chance of making full international level, it's better not to be too far from the eyes of the selectors. I think current French internationals were already capped before they went to play abroad.

So is it possible you might leave in June? There's a 60% chance that I'll leave.

There are several aspects that need to be considered in the context of a possible transfer. The most important thing is the football aspect and the hope of playing in the Champions' League.

I might go to Monaco or return to PSG.

Who has impressed you in England? Alan Shearer, while not a great technician, is a real goal scorer. He's a goal-scoring machine, from any position, at any time. He's also like all British players - a fighter who never gives up.

Interview by Robin Leclercq

-- Anonymous, May 09, 2000

Answers

Apart from the comment at the end, about his 60% possibility of going, there is nothing much else in there to suggest that he will be going, so I would say there is also a 60% chance that he might stay.

I hope he does, we have not seen the best of him yet

-- Anonymous, May 09, 2000

Not to mention a 60% chance that you never scored 60% in your Maths exam !!

;o}

-- Anonymous, May 10, 2000

wonder if Shearer likes being referred to as not a great technician

-- Anonymous, May 10, 2000

Shearer would probably agree. He admits that he's no David Ginola.

-- Anonymous, May 10, 2000

Daveeeed is no tech-nician!! He is an Arteeest, mon dieu!! Ideotts!

;~))

-- Anonymous, May 10, 2000