Is Wednesday night’s clash away to Besiktas a crunch match for OM? Is there a lot of pressure on OM shoulders right now?
We’ll experience a great deal of pressure the moment we take the field because the Turks will be ready for us, that’s for sure. We know that getting the 3 points in Istanbul won’t automatically mean that we qualify. Everything will depend on the Porto-Liverpool match. On top of that, we want to have an advantage before we take on Liverpool, which is why we have to win in Turkey. We have the quality and desire to do that.

The Turkish fans have a reputation for being “passionate”…
The Turks are very passionate, especially at their home ground. We just have to put that out of our minds. It’s a match we’ll never forget and which will be etched into our memories. We have to make sure it goes well.

The first game against Besiktas, at the Vélodrome, was your first UEFA Champions League outing. How was it?
It was a dream come true! A year ago, I watched Champions League on the TV and now it’s me playing in it. Quite simply it’s extraordinary. I would wish any player the opportunity to play in this competition. For me as an individual, it’s a goal achieved. But it’s not the end goal; my goal is to keep up the good work in each training session and each weekend, and above all to keep improving, because I have a long way to go.

“Many people have underestimated us”

OM needs theses 3 points to qualify. Will you be thinking about the Porto-Liverpool match or will you just be focused on this match against Besiktas?
Above all, we have to focus on our own performance. No matter which 11 players start the match, you have to think of the club. We need to have a common goal: qualification for the knockout phase of the Champions League. Whether I’m on the bench in the stands or a starter, one thing is sure: I’ll be 100% behind my club.

After 3 rounds of the UEFA Champions League, OM was top of its group and now you’re in 2nd place and have a chance to qualify. Has OM been the surprise packet of this group?
Many people have underestimated us. Now we’re in 2nd place and we’ve had a great run in this competition, so failing to qualify would be a huge disappointment. Qualification depends on our having 2 good matches against Besiktas and Liverpool. The tougher match will certainly be when we host the English at the Vélodrome. That match will be decisive for us. And I’m counting on the fans to get behind us and give us all the encouragement they can.