Burkina Faso - Yael Tiendrebeogo: "The national team was a springboard for my career"
Yael Tiendrebeogo talks about his early days, his long injury layoff, his club career and his time with the Burkina Faso national team.
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How are things going at your new club, FC Lunéville?
Yael Tiendrebeogo: Everything's going very well. We worked hard during pre-season to be ready for the league campaign, and the facilities are top quality. I'm happy to be at FC Lunéville.
How would you describe your current form after your long injury, a ruptured cruciate ligament in the knee?
Yael Tiendrebeogo: For now my form is good. I've got my sharpness back at 100%. I'm stringing performances together and getting game time!
Tell us a bit about your club, FC Lunéville?
Yael Tiendrebeogo: FC Lunéville has been run by Di sangro Franco for years now. The club has several grass pitches and one artificial one. The current coach is Kevin Diemunsch, whom I've known for a long time. It's a club that spent several years at a good level in the French National. A club with ambition and good youth development.
How is the club getting on in the league?
Yael Tiendrebeogo: We got back under way this week with a draw in our first game. We'll see in a few weeks where we stand in the table. It's only the start of the season, and it's a long one.
Before coming to Lunéville, you played for AS Nancy, ES Thaon, Gaz Metan and Neuves-Maisons. Tell us a bit about how that went?
Yes, I went through those 4 clubs. ASNL, where I came through all the youth ranks until I was 18. A great, well-structured club. I then went to ES Thaon in National 3, where we had an excellent run in the Coupe de France. Then I signed my first professional contract at Gaz Metan Mediaș, where we played the league season, but the club had to fold for financial reasons. After that, I came back to GS Neuves Maisons, where we were promoted a division.
Was Gaz Metan in Romania your first professional experience outside France?
Yes, that's right. I had the chance to sign for Gaz Metan through Salif Nogo and Judicael Nabole, whom I still thank.
After your training at AS Nancy-Lorraine, you started to make your mark with the reserves of the club where you developed. Tell us a bit about your development?
I joined the club at the age of 12. I went through the whole pre-academy pathway until I signed for the academy. From the academy onwards it's another level. Every year we were in national groups with big teams like Lyon, Strasbourg, Troyes and Metz.
At AS Nancy-Lorraine, where you had some good times, what was missing for you to stay at the highest level with the club?
Maybe a bit of luck. I was ready on every front: mentally, physically, technically. I didn't get the luck at the right time, but that's football.
Do you have a lot of regrets?
I had regrets, as with any setback. But that's football, just as in everyday life or in sport generally, there are always ups and downs. You need the mental strength to bounce back from that.
Besides your club career, you captained the Burkina Faso U20 Étalons. Tell us what really held back your progress with the Burkina Faso national team?
On the contrary, the national team gave me a boost in terms of visibility. With my good performances at the Africa Cup of Nations, I had calls from several clubs. It was a springboard for me and for several of my team-mates.
On that note, what went through your mind when you first stepped onto the pitch for Burkina Faso?
It was a feeling of pride and joy. I'd been waiting for that opportunity for a long time. All the sacrifices I've made in my life paid off. I'm proud and happy to be a Burkina Faso international.
Are you still in touch with the Burkina Faso officials or players?
Of course. I've built friendships with the players. We message and call each other often. It's the same with the officials, we write to each other from time to time to catch up.
How do you assess your progress at club level and with Burkina Faso?
I'm not complaining. Everywhere I've been I've learned from my team-mates and from the officials. I thank everyone who has contributed to my progress.
How do you see the rest of your career?
For now I'm focused on FC Lunéville, my current club. After that, we'll see what offers come in. I'll do my best and the rest is in God's hands.