Three questions for…Bernard Berthouloux, Manager of the French squad

France’s manager shared his thoughts on the draw for the group stages of the Powerchair Football World Cup, which will take place this November in Paris. Pleased with the results of the draw, he expects the semi-final to be a big game.

What are your thoughts on the draw?

We were pleased with the results, as we should be able to make it through the group stages. I’ve heard a few things about the Australian side, and they have some good players. Canada also has some good players. Ireland is a bit of a newcomer to powerchair football, so it’s difficult to know how well they’ll play. The Belgian side is missing one of their best players, but they’re still one of the big teams to look out for in the group. We’ll be playing them in the opening game, and I think it will be a close one.

Which team are you most nervous about playing?

I think the semi-final will be a tough game. We don’t know much about the Japanese side. We beat them in 2007 at home, in the semi-final during extra time. The US, on the other hand, are a team that we know only too well.

What team do you think could be the dark horse and get to the final stages?

From what I’ve been hearing, England could be in there, or maybe even Australia!

Interview carried out by Arnaud Daviré, 8 September 2011

Emmanuel Petit: “Football comes first and foremost from the heart”

Having spent the past year working alongside the French Powerchair Football team, Emmanuel Petit was at the World Cup draw on Thursday night. The FIFA World Cup ’98 winner answered a few of Arnaud Daviré’s questions about his role in powerchair football.

What did you make of tonight’s draw?

Honestly, I don’t know much about the teams. Powerchair football is a very new sport, which needs help if it is to develop; that’s why I’m here.

Why did you decide to become involved in powerchair football?

I was asked to get involved, and, at the end of the day, it’s football. People sometimes say ‘yeah, but it’s not really football…you don’t kick the ball, you can’t header the ball’; but football comes first and foremost from the heart.

What difference is there between your involvement in powerchair football and those other footballers that only take part in things that will improve their image?

Are you thinking of anyone in particular? (smiles) I don’t really think about how this will affect my image, what matters are my responsibilities.

And what are these responsibilities?

Public exposure can help a cause. My involvement isn’t about me: it’s about the French Powerchair Football team.

Will your involvement in powerchair football continue after the World Cup?

It all depends on what I can contribute. Anyone can take part…you, me, him…anyone! We each have a responsibility to do our bit to help such causes.

Interview carried out by Arnaud Daviré, 8 September 2011

1)      We’re only a few weeks away from the start of the 2011 World Cup, where you’ll be defending your title: how are all the players feeling?

2)      Does it put a lot of pressure on you to be coming into the competition as favourites?

3)      You’ve ended up in quite a tough group: are you starting to get worried? Who do you think will be the teams to look out for during the World Cup?

4)      It’s been four years since you won in Japan; looking back, how did this victory help with the development of powerchair football in your country, and the recognition you players received back home?