In January, Souleymane Bamba was leaving for England, Scotland and Leicester. Located in the heart of the rearguard of the Foxes, the Ivorian defender has become a darling of the Walkers Stadium. At 26, Solo was finally realized. He took the time to discuss, exclusively, with Afrik-foot.com for an update on his season at club level.
Afrik football: Souleymane, you are living in Leicester in January, how are things going there?
Souleymane Bamba: Well, thank you. Especially since I made a good start by scoring a goal on my first ball against Manchester City (2-2), in Cup. In addition, I made a very good game defensively. Good start, it's always easier to integrate into the team and fans.
And indeed, many supporters you have adopted?
Yes. It goes very well with them. These are people who like physical defenders who earn duels ... With me, they are served! (Laughs) I was quickly adopted.
You were not too anxious to join the Championship?
It is true that I had some prejudices, like everyone else. I had the opportunity before but had always refused. I wanted to play first division either in France or England ... But hey, at Leicester, there was Sven Goran Eriksson so I did not hesitate. And I was surprised! The Championship is a bit like the Premier League, do not stop. There is a real intensity and teams who play ball. This is not the kick and rush that you can imagine. Many teams play ground and build from behind. Including Norwich, who really deserves to climb! Them, they play, it is impressive. Mostly they come from League I and there they are in the Premier League.
Finally, leave Hibernians you did good.
I needed it. This transfer to Leicester, it was a real breath of oxygen. No, I do not spit in the soup. Hibs is a good club but I just did the trick. After three years I did my time I was not progressing, they bring me nothing and I would bring them nothing.
Sven Goran Eriksson is convinced you?
Of course! If it had not been there I would not have come. I am here because of him. I knew with the Ivorian. He always trusted me so when he called me, I did not hesitate. This is the kind of coach with whom you want to work. I am a blind trust and I want to return it on the ground. This is one of the coaches impressed me with Vahid Halilhodzic in selection and Antoine Kombouare PSG.
In the end, you end tenths. It's a disappointment?
Sure. It's a big disappointment. We could afford to go higher. With less notice, we had the strength to play at least the play-offs. But the coach did not have the group since the beginning of the season. With his arrival, there have been better.
How do you explain this performance-cons?
There was a lot of players who came on loan. And when it is loaned, it is always a bit complicated. It is between two clubs ... But hey, if some players like Yakubu Aiyegbeni or Diomansy Kamara came, it is also thanks to Sven Goran Eriksson. So with a little serious reinforcements and transfers, we can achieve something.
And next year?
Next year, we must clearly target the rise automatically. It already is preparing for that matter. Well, not me since I care for a small contraction in the hamstrings. But I talked with the coach.
You'll always be in Leicester next season? There are lots of clubs that revolve around you (OM, Aston Villa, Everton, Fulham ...)?
In theory, yes. I have a contract with Leicester and I feel good. Now this would be a lie to say that, if these clubs really turn me around, it's not flattering. It is always pleasant. But I have a good agent, I've known for a long time and I trust, he handles that. Me, I do not pay too much attention to all these rumours. I had a lot of disappointments in the past so I do not take me head and I'm concentrating on my rehabilitation.
