INTERVIEW. Football: Playing without pressure, Jordan Mendes from Rodez opens up before the last match in Annecy

At 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 9th, Raf (5th) will meet Annecy (7th) to secure a spot in the Ligue 1 promotion playoffs. Midfielder Jordan Mendes talks about the upcoming crucial match, reflects on the team’s impressive performance, and shares his dream of playing in the World Cup this summer. Interview.

[Context: The article features an interview with Jordan Mendes, a player from the Raf team, discussing their upcoming match against Annecy and their aspirations for reaching the Ligue 1 promotion playoffs.]

Question: How do you approach this “final”?

“It’s the kind of matches all players want to play because there’s a lot at stake. We are aware of our position and what we have to play for. We need to consider the importance of this match but also play without pressure, just like we have done in the past 19 matches. We have shown a lot of good things and progress, so we need to continue doing what we do well and not put too much pressure on ourselves.”

Question: Can the team ignore the pressure before this crucial match?

“Yes, we are not putting too much pressure on ourselves. We have gone 19 matches without losing and every time we want to continue the streak, so we need to approach the trip to Annecy in the same way. If we win, we will go to the playoffs.”

“We don’t want to ruin something magnificent or exceptional that we have achieved so far. We use our undefeated record as motivation to strive for even greater things with each match.”

Question: When did you realize you could compete at the top of the table and not just avoid relegation?

“At the beginning of the season, things didn’t go as we wanted, but we knew our capabilities. We have a team with a lot of quality. The fact that the goal (top 5) was not explicitly stated to us, I think that relieved some pressure. We were in a position where we looked up but drew many matches that didn’t immediately bring us closer to those positions. It helped us keep a level head and keep moving forward.”

[Fact Check: Raf refers to the Rodez Aveyron Football team, a French professional soccer club based in Rodez.]

Question: How did the mindset shift happen for the team?

“Perhaps around the 10th match when we hadn’t lost yet. We said it to ourselves moderately while staying calm. The coach kept telling us to remain calm and not immediately aim high, to stay grounded. We thought that if we continued winning matches, we might have something to play for, but we had to do it. Now, we are here. Saturday’s match will be the final big test to see if we are ready for the playoffs or not.”

Question: How does the team feel in terms of fatigue towards the end of the season?

“We are quite good, as seen in the last match. We have prepared well throughout the season and still have the energy to go further.”

[Fact Check: Cap-Vert refers to Cape Verde, the country where Jordan Mendes has heritage ties.]

Question: Apart from Raf, your recent news also involves Cape Verde. Tell us about your first national team call-up in March.

“It was a huge pride for me, making my family proud. It was an incredible experience that I hope to experience again!”

Question: Were you in contact with the federation for a long time or was it a pleasant surprise due to your successful season?

“I spoke with the coordinator at the beginning of the season. When I signed with Rodez, I didn’t have my Cape Verdean papers yet. I finalized them this winter, which happened to align perfectly with the March call-up.”

Question: Do you dream of playing at the World Cup?

“Yes, the World Cup is a childhood dream, the ultimate goal! There is no higher competition. It’s a dream I have had since I was little, and I think it’s the dream of every child in the world who loves football. It would be truly amazing!”