Alfred N’Diaye has become an instant hit with the fans at Real Betis, with his powerful protection either as part of the back four, or playing just ahead of it. Quickly learning what ‘Beticismo’ is all about, he’s already well aware of what winning the Europa League derby against Sevilla, will mean.
Superb early performances for Real Betis following his January transfer arrival, on loan from Sunderland, have swiftly made Alfred N’Diaye a very popular figure amongst the fans.
Speakin with the official Real Betis magazine, Trece Barras, the importance of the upcoming Europa League derby against Sevilla this week, wasn’t lost on the Paris born Senegalese international.
“We always have to win and even more so when it’s a derby. If we can get ourselves into the quarter-finals of the Europa League, the fans will be very happy. Mentally, it will help us be strong for the rest of the season. We have to win the Europa League derby.”
Even with the enthusiasm for the Europa League and the derby, the 24-year-old obviously recognises that the fans have had to suffer this season, given the poor situation in La Liga.
“We’ve been last for a long time now, but whilst we can still mathematically survive, we have to keep fighting. All we must think about, is winning games. Home or away, it doesn’t matter, we have to win.”
The strength of feeling and support from the Betis faithful, has also captured the imagination of N’Diaye.
“I wasn’t expecting so much passion for football in Spanish football stadiums. Betis are one of the most popular teams in the country and the truth is, I’m surprised just how passionate our fans are.”
One of the things that has impressed both the coaching team and the fans, has been his positional flexibility, with powerful displays in both defence or midfield. N’Diaye acknowledged that whilst he prefers playing in midfield, he’s more than happy to help out in defence, whenever he’s utilised as a centre-back.
“I like playing in midfield mostly, but they put me in defence, it’s not a problem. In fact, that’s where I played a lot in the junior categories for France and at Nancy. I can adapt to both without any problems. Whether I’m playing in midfield or defence, all I dry to do is give the very best of myself.”
Superb early performances for Real Betis following his January transfer arrival, on loan from Sunderland, have swiftly made Alfred N’Diaye a very popular figure amongst the fans.
Speakin with the official Real Betis magazine, Trece Barras, the importance of the upcoming Europa League derby against Sevilla this week, wasn’t lost on the Paris born Senegalese international.
“We always have to win and even more so when it’s a derby. If we can get ourselves into the quarter-finals of the Europa League, the fans will be very happy. Mentally, it will help us be strong for the rest of the season. We have to win the Europa League derby.”
Even with the enthusiasm for the Europa League and the derby, the 24-year-old obviously recognises that the fans have had to suffer this season, given the poor situation in La Liga.
“We’ve been last for a long time now, but whilst we can still mathematically survive, we have to keep fighting. All we must think about, is winning games. Home or away, it doesn’t matter, we have to win.”
The strength of feeling and support from the Betis faithful, has also captured the imagination of N’Diaye.
“I wasn’t expecting so much passion for football in Spanish football stadiums. Betis are one of the most popular teams in the country and the truth is, I’m surprised just how passionate our fans are.”
One of the things that has impressed both the coaching team and the fans, has been his positional flexibility, with powerful displays in both defence or midfield. N’Diaye acknowledged that whilst he prefers playing in midfield, he’s more than happy to help out in defence, whenever he’s utilised as a centre-back.
“I like playing in midfield mostly, but they put me in defence, it’s not a problem. In fact, that’s where I played a lot in the junior categories for France and at Nancy. I can adapt to both without any problems. Whether I’m playing in midfield or defence, all I dry to do is give the very best of myself.”