An exclusive interview with Lucas Panayi, Ryan Henriette, and Nick Labiche as they reflect on the recent World Cup qualifiers match between Ivory Coast and Seychelles. Discover their insights on recovery, and the invaluable support from the coaching staff. Get the inside scoop straight from the players themselves!
Nick Labiche shares his unique experience, team recovery, goals, and the unwavering support from teammates in this interview excerpt.
-The experience was one of a kind. Surprisingly, I did not feel any real jitters, just excitement and the need to play at this level. The team’s recovery has been excellent. We have received valuable advice from our doctor and therapist, which has greatly helped. Our goal is to improve our gameplay and extract as much as possible from these matches, so we can perform even better as a team in the next round. My teammates have provided tremendous support, always staying up to date with us, which is truly uplifting to witness.
Lucas Panayi, the dynamic midfielder who showcased remarkable fighting spirit as he stepped up to play as a central back in the thrilling previous match.
Seysoccer: How was the experience playing against a top-level team?
Lucas Panayi: It was a tough but incredible experience playing against these top players, especially as such a young team. A story to cherish for the future.
Seysoccer: What is the team’s recovery plan after the challenging match?
Lucas Panayi: Our recovery plan is highly specific, involving various aspects such as dynamic movements in recovery training to eliminate lactic acid buildup. We also utilise compression machines, massages, and massage guns.
Seysoccer: Did you feel the opposing team’s physical advantage in duels?
Lucas Panayi: Yes, we definitely felt their physical advantage. It was evident.
Seysoccer: What lessons did the team learn from playing against such a high-level team?
Lucas Panayi: The key is to focus on the speed of moving the ball, maintaining composure, and believing that anything is possible based on our team’s personal objectives.
Seysoccer: How is the team receiving support from Seychelles via social media and messages?
Lucas Panayi: I haven’t paid too much attention to what is being said on social media so far. Our focus is on our objectives and preparing for the game against Kenya.
Seysoccer: What are the team’s goals moving forward after this valuable experience?
Lucas Panayi: Our main focus is progressing in our style of play, improving our statistics, and scoring goals through our preferred approach to the game.
Ryan Henriette, also known as ‘Batman,’ returns for an exclusive follow-up interview with Seysoccer, providing further insights and updates.
Seysoccer: How was the experience playing against a top-level team?
Ryan Henriette: The experience I gained was truly enjoyable, as I realized the high level of football. When facing the goal, you think you have time, but you don’t. I had two chances to score against Cote D’Ivoire. The second one taught me a lesson. Together with Brandon Labrosse, we pressed Willy Boly and managed to dispossess him. Brandon dribbled into the penalty area, and I made my run. Instead of taking a shot, I took a touch, and the defender was able to defend the situation. After a brief conversation with the coach, I told him about the second chance. He responded, ‘Now you see why I always emphasise taking one touch in front of the goal.‘
Seysoccer: What is the team’s recovery plan after the challenging match?
Ryan Henriette: I never thought Seychelles would reach this level, especially in terms of recovery. We have a highly professional team physio named Julien from France. Additionally, we have various recovery equipment, some of which I’m unfamiliar with, but one key aspect is prioritising sleep.
Seysoccer: What lessons did the team learn from playing against such a high-level team?
Ryan Henriette: I believe the team has become more confident that through training and hard work, we have the ability to compete against top-level teams and deliver impressive performances.
Seysoccer: How is the team receiving support from Seychelles via social media and messages?
Ryan Henriette: For me as a player, I don’t really pay attention to what people say about the team. In my opinion, not all Seychellois support each other. There are some who trust this process and like the idea that Seychelles is building a team for the future, but there are also many who speak negatively about the team.
Seysoccer: What are the team’s goals moving forward after this valuable experience?
Ryan Henriette: We believe that in two years’ time, we will become a stronger team both mentally and physically. We are confident that we can achieve positive results and make our nation, as well as our families, proud.
Seysoccer: Did you feel the opposing team’s physical advantage in duels?
Ryan Henriette: Yes, I think they had a significant advantage. Those guys in front of us seemed like robots. However, this is something we will work on because once we return to Seychelles, the entire team will be hitting the gym.
