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#now I'm not allowed to do any sport (apart from maybe swimming) at all ever again for the rest of my life
redwineconversation · 5 months
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Selma Bacha Le Progres Interview (October 17, 2023)
Blah blah standard disclaimers apply; god I HATE invasive behavior so much it genuinely makes my skin crawl; @OL Comms Dept a PSL I beg of you; y'all know the speech by now. I don't want to commit to translating Le Progres articles on a regular basis but as is everything in life, that is subject to change.
In which the prodigal child returns from the cold, remembers Lyon's win/loss record against Barcelona, disses Lyon's men's team, and confesses love and admiration for WoSo's favorite Bad Catholic.
It was basically a fan Q&A and anyone with a Le Progres subscription will be able to find their names; however I took out the fans' names because I just don't feel comfortable outing private information like that. (See, it's that easy to be a decent human being and respect someone's privacy!!! Who would have thought!!!!)
SELMA BACHA LE PROGRES INTERVIEW
Selma Bacha: "My biggest strength is my instinct"
For one hour, the Olympique Lyonnais and French International left back talked with Le Progres readers with all the spontaneity and frankness we have come to expect from her. Without shying away from a single question. Her tenacious character, the difference in attendance for men's football compared to women's football, the support from her family, how she regards mental strength, her role models, her relationship with Wendie Renard... A Bacha with no filter!
[Fan]: Do you play any other sport apart from rugby?
I do a lot of boxing during preseason and when we're in preseason. It allows me to blow off steam. I also enjoy swimming, and because I'm such a competitor, I always have to swim against someone who swims professionally so I can improve and to improve my mental strength. I also go hiking even if I like it a little less. Ever since I was young, I really loved sports in general. In middle school, I did cross country. I wanted to do my middle school proud so I gave everything, and I finished third in the French Championship.
[Fan]: Did you play with the boys in the academy?
I started playing with the boys when I was five. I was recruited really quickly by Lyon when I was eight. But my parents got divorced at that time and I lived with my father and my brother, so I have certain male characteristics. But maybe that's what gave me my desire to win, the determination, how to be aggressive and not let anything go.
[Fan]: What would you say is the difference between men's football and women's football? The difference in attendance?
We do the same job, but female players don't bring in as much money as the men do. But we're seeing some progress, we see it with the French National Team where we often play in front of sold-out crowds. It's up to us to win over supporters, to make them proud and gain interest in us. I have a lot of confidence in that even if it's a little frustration to play the final of the Coupe de France or the Trophee des Championnes in front of a small crowd. That being said, then a game is at 9pm on a Sunday, I understand that's it is complicated for families.
[Fan]: Were you disappointed not to play the derby [against ASSE] at the Groupama Stadium?
I think I can speak for the team but we would prefer to play in front of a smaller crowd with a great atmosphere, which may have been lost if we played at the Groupama Stadium.
[Fan]: What is your best memory in the Champions League?
My first final in Kiev [Lyon beat Wolfsburg 4-1]. I wasn't even expecting to be on the team sheet and I went to the pregame meeting and I found myself starting at the age of 17. The atmosphere was incredible. Overseas, people are really interested in those types of events. Here in France, we're sleepwalking our way through it, even if after the [2019] World Cup a lot of people started to get more into women's football.
[Fan]: Other countries have overtaken women's football in France. What do you think about that?
It's not to put down our league because things were put in place and we were heard, so respect for that, but when there is a clash like Chelsea-Manchester City in England, it's hard to compete against. Discussions were had, I'm a bit young but Wendie Renard is taking part in them and things are starting to change. In July, professionalism was put in place, so it's moving forward. Slowly but surely.
[Fan]: What has been the most difficult thing in your career?
I integrated the professional group very quickly. I saw everything through rose tinted glasses at first. And when I was on the bench, I was asking the right questions of myself. I was talking with the physical fitness coach, the psychologist, the nutritionist, and I told myself I need to work twice as hard to achieve what I really wanted. I'm someone who is always very smiley and when I'm hurting, no one will know. I can internalize a lot but it will explode, I implode by myself and obviously, that's not good mentally. I have my parents, my team and my best friend, Alyssa Paljevic (former goalkeeper at Lyon), who is a shoulder to lean on. She doesn't judge me and she tells me if I'm wrong or not.
[Fan]: Are you properly supported in terms of mental health?
It depends on each individual. I often tell the youth to make sure to have a good support system. When I arrived at 16 [to the pro group], I wasn't paying a lot of attention to nutrition, to sleep, to recovery, the invisible part of training. I quickly understood you needed support and structure to achieve my objections, which are really high. When I go the [team] psychologist, it's because it helps me a lot mentally.
[Fan]: What qualities do you need to become professional?
Being good at football obviously. Beyond that, only hard work pays off. I give a lot of credit to the people working behind the scenes who put things in place for us. The invisible part of training is also really important. Beyond that, it comes down to having a lot of fun and confidence, you have to follow your instinct. Now it's my turn to ask if you want to be a professional football player? You'd like that? Right there, you can't say "I'd like to". You have to say "I want to" to send the right information to your brain and have confidence in yourself.
[Fan]: Have you stayed in contact with FC Gerland, the team you started with?
I'm the godmother of my former club which is still very dear to me. Last season, I was able to gift them jerseys thanks to my sponsor. Whenever I can go and give them advice, I do it without hesitation.
{Fan]: Do you play Fifa?
From what I'm told, apparently in the game, I'm expensive and a "cheat code"... Personally I don't really play, I prefer to relax.
[Fan]: Do you train in the morning and afternoon like the men's team?
Who told you the men's team train in the morning and afternoon? (laughter) We often have training in the morning, but sometimes we have double or even triple sessions when we come back from vacation. But yeah, we're like the men, we do the same job.
[Fan]: Do you interact with the men's team?
Yes, and besides that, once a year, during the gala for OL Foundation [Lyon charity], we're seated a table with investors and there's obviously a player from the men's team next to us. You might think they have big egos but when you get to know them, they're real softies. We see them in the cafeteria as well.
[Fan]: Was the transition post-Aulas easier for the women's team?
I don't know what's going on on their [men's team] end but from our end, Michele Kang came to see us, we had talks. We're not an easy team to handle but we're not complicated. (laughter)
[Fan]: Which players are your role model?
I'm a footballer but I don't watch a lot of football. The players who inspire, it's Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo, because they're hard workers.
[Fan]: Have you recovered from your ankle injury in Australia?
My ankle doesn't bother me anymore otherwise I wouldn't be on the field, especially because I have a long season ahead and therefore we won't want to take any risks. But it's true the sprain was no joke. I had 10 days to recover. It didn't hurt at all during the World Cup even if it was swollen. I'm not a cheat: if I'm not 100 percent it's not worth putting me on the field. So yeah, my ankle is a little unstable since, it'll roll sometimes, I'll be in pain for 30 seconds up to a minute, but that's normal. Let's just say I played my joker. At Lyon there is all the necessary medical staff, I'm in good hands.
[Fan]: Does it help you to play in your hometown?
There are advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is I was born here, all my family is here and I'm really close to my family so I have a lot of support, that really helps me. But sometimes, you just want to be alone and that's not always an option.
[Fan]: What is your relationship like with Wendie [Renard]?
Wendie, she took me immediately under her wing as soon as I integrated the pro group. She knows the love and admiration I have for her. She's in my heart, she's a big sister for me who I can always count on. Our friendship goes beyond football. When things were going badly and I thought about quitting football, she really helped me. I owe an enormous amount to her.
[Fan]: Do you think you will change clubs in the upcoming years?
That's a good question! (laughter) I'm under contract with Lyon until 2025. I have incredibly strong feelings for this club, I grew up with them. For the moment, I'm good here, I live it day by day and for the moment, I'm not imagining myself elsewhere.
[Fan]: You wouldn't want to go to Barcelona?
Why would I choose Barcelona? (laughter) I'm not afraid to test myself in a new league. Each year, in my room, I take a blank piece of paper and write down my objectives. Last season [2021-2022], I wasn't expecting to be be the youngest player in the Champions League, have the most assists, be nominated to the Ballon d'Or... I couldn't believe it. But when you play for the team and you put the team first, the individual stats will follow by themselves.
[Fan]: Do you practice a lot shooting from afar?
Let's just say it's instinct. I have a very strong left foot. The assistant coach for the French National Team teases me a lot about that: he tells me I have a more powerful shot than certain male players but I need to put them on target (laughter), so I know what I have to improve on. I'd say that above all else, my strength, it's my instinct. I always follow it: if I have to take a shot, I'll shoot, if I have to get my teammate to score, I'll do it. I don't think just about me. I'd rather have an assist than score, even if scoring, it's a really special feeling.
[Fan]: Which team has the best style of play in your eyes?
Olympique Lyonnais (laughter). Otherwise I'd say Barcelona, because I am a player who likes ball possession and at the top level, the Spanish players are the best. I like to watch Barcelona.
[Fan]: Who was the best team you played against?
That's a good question. I'd say Chelsea and Barcelona.
[Fan]: And the best player according to you?
There are a lot. At the moment, I'd say Eugenie Le Sommer. Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona) as well, she's really good.
[Fan]: Do you chip in training?
Ball control, nutmeg, shooting, yes. But not really chips.
[Fan]: What is it like being an undisputed starter with the French National Team?
It's an honor! My team knows how much I struggled and all the tears I shed. Compared to other players, I integrated it a little later but I never gave up. There were nights when I was crying at home and I was thinking: "what am I missing?" And one day, when Lyon was at Issy-les-Moulineaux, I learnt that I would be called up because Sakina Karchaoui was injured. At first I couldn't believe it and I was even afraid the coach was pranking me. I screamed really loudly in the bus, everyone was really happy for me. Being at Clairefontaine, seeing the castle, it was a childhood dream. I'll never forget my first game against Kazakhstan, especially because I was a starter. And then I scored in my second game against Wales! I couldn't dream it any better. Now, my status has changed, but I'm not going to get a big head over it. I stay smiley, likable and I never forget where I came from. I want to keep my feet on the ground because it can all change so quickly.
{Fan]: How did you handle coming back from the World Cup?
That night, obviously I didn't sleep. But despite my missed penalty, I told myself that I gave everything and shouldn't have any regrets. Especially because I came into the tournament with an injury and had 10 days to recover from a big sprain. Afterwards? There was a long flight with a lot of sadness and frustration. I landed mid-morning in Lyon, I went to see my family and that afternoon, I went to Montpellier and then the next day to Marrakech. I turned my phone off and no one knew where I was. I needed a lot of time before I could talk about the World Cup.
[Fan]: What was missing for this World Cup?
Efficiency of course. We weren't able to impose our style of play and we were subjected to Australia's. Maybe we lacked a bit of bite as well. Ellie Carpenter, my Australian teammate, when she has one touch of the ball, she moves up 10 meters. When you foul a Brazilian player, they form a group around the referee to put pressure on her. When we had a team meeting about it, Kenza Dali actually called me out by name and said we needed to be more like me, aggressive. Of course you need to respect the referee and not waste energy for no reason when she has already made her decision, but in the quarterfinal of the World Cup, I think we can go talk to the ref. And not just in football. Look at rugby!
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russquez · 3 years
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tomorrow I'm going to the hospital three years after my surgery for some check ups if you don't hear from me is because I was arrested for fighting all the doctors
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ilike-moss · 6 years
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1-70, bc i'm gon distract u
*cracks knuckles* okay, lets do this.
1. Do you have a good relationship with your parents?
I would say they are all strained for different reasons. (I say all because i am including my mother, father, and step father)
2. Who did you last say "I love you" to?
My younger sister, earlier today.
3. Do you regret anything?
Lmao just about everything, dude.
4. Are you insecure?
Oh, always.
5. What is your relationship status?
Single as usual.
6. How do you want to die?
Painlessly
7. What did you last eat?
Sweet potato fries and a caramel milk shake.
8. Played any sports?
Yes a couple and I hated all of them, sports don't really agree with me. tae kwon do, soft ball, and swimming.
9. Do you bite your nails?
Nope.
10. When was your last physical fight.
I have never been in a physical fight and if i was i am fairly certain i would loose, but hey, who knows. Maybe I'd surprise myself.
11. Do you like someone?
Yup.
12. Have you ever stayed up 48 hours?
Yes, I was trying to see how long i could stay awake and I hated it.
13. Do you hate anyone at the moment?
Oh yes, I do.
14. Do you miss someone?
My grandma and grandpa that live in Florida.
15. Do you have any pets?
No, my land lord dosn't allow pets.
16. How are you feeling at the moment?
Tired, as always.
17. Ever made out in the bathroom?
I haven't made out in the first place.
18. Are you scared of spiders.
sometimes. It depends on the spider, really.
19. Would you go back in time if you were given the chance?
This kinda depends on what you mean by go back in time. Do you mean go back in time as in i age back to the time i was like, a younger version of myself (and if so, do i remember everything from this time or do i just forget and like, relive everything?? Or is it like in Doctor Who were present me goes back into a different time, not necessarily in a time where i existed, like the 1930's or something?
20. Where was the last place you snogged someone?
In my dreams (I know, sad but true.)
21.  What are your plans for the weekend.
This also depends. If you mean the actual weekend, then my plans are working. If you mean what i consider my weekend, then my plans are hanging out with my best friend.
22. Do you want to have kids? How many?
Well, i do want to have kids eventually. Two or three probably, but then again, I also want to foster kids as well, so maybe more if you count them.
23. Do you have piercings? How many?
My ears (just the regular one) and my nose, though i plan on getting the industrial done on my left ear as well.
24. What is/are/were your best subject(s)?
At this point, honestly, I don't remember. I am gonna go with chorus class.
25. Do you miss anyone from your past.
Yeah my dead pets.
26. What are you craving right now?
A love life.
27. Have you ever broken someone's heart?
Not to my knowledge.
28. Have you ever been cheated on.
Well, I have only had one relationship and it only lasted a month so no.
29. Have you made a boyfriend/girlfriend cry?
No.
30. What's irritating you right now.
Pretty much everything, but mostly my mental health.
31. Does somebody love you.
My family and friends. (at least i hope they do)
32. What is your favorite color?
It's a tie between purple and green.
33. Do you have trust issues?
Of course.
34. Who/what was your last dream about.
I really don't remember.
35. Who was the last person your cried in front of.
i can't remember this one either.
36. Do you give out second chances too easily?
Probably.
37. Is it easier for you to forgive or forget?
Forgive probably but i probably would rather just forget.
38. Is this the best year of your life?
Well, it surprisingly isn't the worst, but I wouldn't say its the best either. I'm not entirely sure I have a best year of my life. It's kinda all mostly been rubbish so far with some good points.
39. How old were you when you had your first kiss.
Still waiting on that, unfortunately.
40. Have you ever walked outside comepletely nakes.
Lmao, no.
(For some reason it goes straight from 40 to 51, sorry)51. Favorite food?
Pork chops with my aunt's macaroni salad.
52. Do you believe everything happens for a reason.
Sometimes.
53. What was the last thing you did before you went to bed last night?
Light a sandalwood incense.
54. Is cheating ever okay?
Do you mean in a relationship? if so, the answer is no.
55. Are you mean?
Sometimes i can be a little snappy but besides that, no.
56. How man people have you ever fist fought?
057. Do you believe in true love?
Yes, but i really have yet to see it for the most part.
58. favorite weather?
Thunder Storms.
59. Do you like the snow.
Up until Christmas, after that, no.
60. Do you want to get married.
I would like to, yes.
61. Is it cute when a boy/girl calls you baby?
Never been a huge fan of that nick name, though i have never been personally called it.
62. What makes you happy?
Being around my friends and family, Loki fanart and other things related to the marvel character, white chocolate kit kats and reading.
63 . Would you change your name?
Perhaps if i found the right name.
64. Would it be hard to kiss the last person you kissed?
Considering I haven't kissed anyone besides like, family members on the cheek, no.
65. Your best friend of the opposite sec likes you, what do you do?
Panic
66. Do you have a friend of the opposite sex that you can act your complete self around?
There really isnt anyone that i can act my complete true self around. everyone gets to see different parts. Some see very arge parts of me but i don't think anyone has seen it all truely.
67. Who was the last person of the opposite sex you talked to?
One of the people i share an apartment with.
68. Who's the last person you had a deep conversation with?
Either you or my apartment mate.
69. Do you believe in soul mates.
It's a beautiful idea that i'd like to get behind but I think i would have a hard time believing it.
70. Is there anyone you would die for?
Several people actually.
Ugh, finally finished, i hope you are happy
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