It’s just over a year since Lucho Gonzalez signed on for Marseille. Currently as happy on and off the pitch, he took the time to talk to the club’s media about the new season, his aims and how it feels to play or OM...

You’ve been back training for nearly two weeks now, how are you feeling?
Really good. I think the most important thing about preseason is to prepare physically. We know the championship will be long and hard. On the other hand, we also know we don’t have a lot of time before the season starts. We have a lot of games to play and we have to find the balance between the physical side and the playing football.

 


 You’ve been in great form so far in preseason, do you think this season will be better than last?
Everyone hopes and aspires to improving what has already been achieved and do better than we did last season. Obviously that will be very hard. Defending our league title won’t be easy but obviously that’s our goal. We’ll also try and have a better run in the Champions League than we did last season. I hope I have a great year and that everything goes well.

You played at River Plate and Porto where you also won silverware, but how did they compare to OM’s title win last season?
It’s always different in every country and they are always special moments. It’s very important for players to win trophies with their club. I’ve been lucky enough to win the last five championship seasons I’ve played. Some celebrations stand out, like OM’s last season because the club hadn’t won anything for so long. It was an amazing moment personally, to see so many people so happy with our wins.

How is your life in Marseille now?
Really great, the people are very nice to me. I see them every day when I go walking in the street. I like to keep a low profile and spend time with my family in my house.

Last season, you finished Best Assists getter in Ligue 1. What are you personal goals for the coming campaign?
My aim, first and foremost, is to help OM win the league again. On a personal level, I don’t set goals, other than play as well as I can and have a good season.

On July 28, there’s a very important match against PSG – the big rival. Do you think this game will have a bearing on the start of the championship?
They are always special matches. The season will be very long and the match versus PSG is important. It’s a final with a trophy up for grabs. We’ll have to give it everything and head onto the pitch with the same attitude we took into our last final against Bordeaux. But I don’t think a win or a loss will have any effect on the start of the Ligue 1 championship.