Bangoura : “I’m gutted to leave Rennes”

Le Mensuel : After Asamoah Gyan’s departure, yours was a massive surprise at the end of the transfer window. You are now on your way to Dubai. A surprising choice…

Ismaël Bangoura :Many people trusted me: the club, the players, the fans, my family… I’m gutted to leave Rennes. Finally, I had too many troubles to remain there. I did not have much playing time… Is it my fault? Is it somebody else’s? This is all behind me know. A new life starts now.

This season was supposed to be your revenge after an average first year. Finally, you decided to leave the Stade Rennais…

I promised it to everyone. For once, I had even gone through the complete pre-season training. I was motivated. Strong in my head. I started the season very well too: two games, two goals. Until the third game against Saint-Etienne, and this clash with Frédéric Antonetti...

What happened ?

I don’t want to come back on this. When you’re a player, you pay for any mistake. I apologised. What I did that day doesn’t reflect who I am. This is not the image I want to give. I had a word with the coach, eyes in eyes, in his office, he pardoned me and told me to think about football only.

Why has the « real » Bangoura, able to score goal after goal, failed to explode in Rennes?

I did not have a bad season. Seven goals, it isn’t too bad. Ok, when I arrived I was hoping to win the League’s top goal scorer award…

In Rennes, you played on the right wing. It was a centre forward however, that you were the most productive at Le Mans and Kiev. Did Frédéric Antonetti use you in the best of ways?

The coach was very clear when I arrived: he gave me all his trust to play on the right wing. I’ve always preferred to play up front though. It’s my position. In August, with Asamoah Gyan about to leave and Montano suspended, I wanted to prove him he could trust me to play as a centre forward.

Despite two goals in two games, Frédéric Antonetti kept on leaving you in competition with Brahimi and Ekoko. Was this hard to bear?

I don’t mind competition. If you are better, you play. In football however, you need the coach’s trust to find a good balance… That’s why I’m leaving. In Dubaï, I’ll find confidence. I need to play. I could not stay on the Stade Rennais bench for years.

A transfer to Dubaï always means big money. Was this a motivation to your departure?

Whoever knows me know it isn’t the case. Obviously, there is more money over there. But I just want to play. Play for 90 minutes in complete serenity.

To prepare a better European come-back in the future?

For sure. In one or two years. In football, everything happens very quickly. True, the level is a bit lower in Dubaï. People can think whatever they want, but I’ll do all I my possible to come back. The Arab Emirates are yet another experience.

With your departure and Asamoah Gyan’s, Rennes’ attacking line seems a bit to meagre. What do you think, as the “big brother” you were for many young players at the club?

Even without us, I think this team has got the potential to be finishing on the first five positions in the league. Brahimi has already earned the manager’s trust, Marveaux will come back from injury. Kembo can do the job on the wing. As soon as Saturday against Sochaux, I will follow the Stade Rennais’ results with much interest. My experience in Rennes was great. By the way, I want to thank everyone here (with tears in his eyes).

Even Frédéric Antonetti ?

He is a coach. I’ve got much respect for him. He was my master, and I had nothing to say.

Benjamin Keltz - Le Mensuel de Rennes

Picture : www.rennes.lemensuel.com