Makelele: ‘I couldn’t say no’

PSG captain Claude Makelele opens up in the latest edition of 100%PSG. Extracts...

Last season, there was plenty of doubt as to whether or not you’d stay on for another year. What finally convinced you?
“I had talks with the president, the new coach and a good few players as well. In the changing rooms, the guys were saying: ‘C’mon old man! You’ve got one more year in you!’ (Laughter) I could feel there was this expectation and that gave me the motivation to go for another year. It’s a real sign of confidence and I couldn’t say no.”

At the end of May your autobiography ‘Quite Simply’ came out. What feedback have you had?
“The book surprised a lot of people who didn’t necessarily know about my professional and personal life. Most people thought I got where I am because I had a gift and that it all came more or less easily. They were also surprised by what I said because they don’t hear a lot of me and I don’t go looking for the spotlight. But it’s all part of me and I wanted to share that. In the end, it was good to get certain things off my chest. It’s also a way of leaving something tangible for the people I’ve met along the way and who have played a big role in my life. For my family, my friends, my kids... But also for grandkids in years to come, so they know just who their grandfather really was.”

Antoine Kombouaré is the coach of PSG. Is his approach radically different to that of Paul Le Guen?
“Each coach is difference and has his own methods. Antoine Kombouaré very quickly told us how he wanted to work. He studied how we play at the back and looked for ways to improve us, make us stronger, without throwing out everything that Paul had achieved. To do that, he spoke to us a lot, certainly more than his predecessor. It’s good for the players to know exactly what the coach is expecting.”

Knowing that this is your last season, are you approaching it differently?
“That would be a mistake. I plan on giving it everything like I always have and that’s how I’ve always enjoyed myself most on the football pitch.”

For the sake of history, you need to score one last goal... it’s been a long time...
“If I can, then that would be great, but it’s not my no.1 objective. I don’t have any issues about that. Seeing my teammates score is just as gratifying to me as scoring myself. I don’t even want to take penalty when we’re leading 4-0 and it’s a good chance to score. We need to remain professional until the end and I think that would be a lack of respect for our opponents. In a friendly match, perhaps... but not in a competitive game, no way.”

Find the whole interview in 100%PSG Number 88.