Four times French champion with Lyon, Hatem Ben Arfa will be reunited on Sunday, for the first time, with his former club. "A match at the summit" he announces.

Hatem, Lyon-OM is a big game between the top two sides in the League, how are you preparing for the game?
I can’t wait. I’m really looking forward to going back to Lyon. It’s an important match for us, if we win we can go in front of them. We really need to get a result there, it’s definitely a match at the summit.


Is the pressure rising as the match gets closer and closer?
When I was at Lyon and we were playing against OM, there wasz always more pressure. That’s just how it is, they are two big teams. It wil be very intense as both sides want to win. It’s a six point match, we’ll have to be mentally strong as it will be tough.

Personally, how do you feel before playing against your former club at Gerland, is it strange?
No, not strange. It’s something new. I was used to playing for Lyon against Marseille. It was how it was, but playing against Lyon, I haven’t experienced that yet. I’m very happy to be going back there knowing that we can overtake them. That really gives us extra motivation.   

Will the fact that Niang is out have a consequence on the game?
It penalises us but Mamadou Samassa will be back and that is good for us. However, Niang’s absence is a prejudice for us. When I played at Lyon, he often caused us a lot of trouble. Last year he put in a great performance. He was exceptional (a 3-1 victory at the Vélodrome). But Lyon have players out as well, like Réveillère ( Pjanic and Bodmer as well) and it will be up to us to take advantage of this.

"I feel that we are more dangerous up front

Who do you think is the stronger side this season?
The two team’s have a different style of play. Neither side is stronger than the either. I feel that we are stronger up front but they have a more compact defensive block. But again, we can hurt them with our offensive potential. 



The League is less clear cut than in recent seasons, can you explain it?
I think that the League is stronger now. Teams like Rennes, Bordeaux or OM are confirming their good form. These teams are now causing problems for Lyon. Lyon deserve respect as they have won the title seven times in a row but at one point someone else will take their place. That’s why other sides are pushing hard. The gap between the clubs is diminishing and that’s good for football.

"Benzema can turn a game all by himself

Lyon played in the Champions League on Wednesday (Lyon 2-3 Bayern) and will have had one less day to recuperate than OM, do you think that will be a factor? 
I don’t think so. They will have had four days and we will have had five. That is sufficient, especially as they are used to playing every three days. It won’t be a handicap for them.

What reception are you expecting at Gerland?
I’m not sure. It’s going to be special for me that’s for sure. But it’s just another match with three points to be taken. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens.



Karim Benzema is back from injury, what can you tell us about this player?
He is very dangerous. He can score at any moment and can turn a game all by himself. He also has a very strong team ethic. He’s a realally valuable player for the team and we will have to be wary of him.

Which player impressed you the most during your time at Lyon?
Tiago (Portuguese midfielder at Lyon from 2005 to 2007). People don’t necessarily know him so well but he is an exceptional player. He isn’t incredibly talented but his understanding and intelligence in the game have no match. Tactically and in his positional play he is unbelievable. He impressed me the most.
 
And Juninho?
For his free-kicks and as far as his game is concerned. He is an anchor for the team in the midfield, he gives the side a certain solidity when they have the ball, which is very important.

"Jean-Michel Aulas deserves respect for what he has done

Are you able to understand that OL’s success annoys people?
It annoys peopple as they are the only side that has won over recent years. If you look at the number of OM supporters in France, they want Marseille to overtake Lyon. People would like to see Lyon fall just to add a bit of spice to the League. Lyon are what they are in view of their achievements, it’s up to us to go and try and knock them down.
 
Will you shake hands with Jean-Michel Aulas on Sunday, despit ethe problems that you went through during your transfer to OM?
Of course I will shake hands with him. It is only polite and respectful. This is football, it’s a business but we are two human beings before anything and we will say hello.



What can you tell us about OL’s president?
He has his own philosophy. There are times I don’t agree with him, but that’s how he does things. I prefer the way Pape Diouf works. In time he will do something at Marseille as he has a plan and he is sticking to it. But, Jean-Michel Aulas deserves respect for what he has done. He has taken Lyon to seven French titles in a row. He is the first to have done that and that deserves respect.  

Just to finish, had you marked down in your diary the date of the 14th of December?
I hadn’t noted it down, but I knew it was in December just before Christmas. If we manage to win there it would be a great Christmas present.