Interview with Gourna

13 million euro transfer fee? “Does not matter”

I want to be a leader: Gourna-Douath (left).

(Bild: Tröster Andreas)

Lucas Gourna-Douath is still Salzburg's record purchase. The "Krone" met the Bulls' French record purchase (13 million euros transfer fee) for a big interview ahead of the Easter Sunday clash against Sturm Graz and spoke to the 20-year-old about pressure, his role at the champions, the title race, his future and much more. 

On the pitch, he usually flies somewhat under the radar, rarely attracting attention with goals or assists. His core task is to control the game. We are talking about Salzburg midfielder Lucas Gourna-Douath. The "Krone" spoke to him about ... 

... the tight battle for the championship with Sturm: 

I hope we can do it. The goal is clear and it's also very important for the club. Salzburg is the best club in Austria, we have to show that to every opponent. But it won't be an easy task.

... his relationship with coach Gerhard Struber: 

We have a good relationship. He does it very well and knows how to make me a better player. He talks to me a lot and is also quite strict because he believes in my qualities. If I need anything, I can come to him every day and talk to him.

Gourna-Douath has a good relationship with coach Struber.

(Bild: Andreas Tröster)

... his feelings when he's not in the starting eleven:

If, then I'm angry with myself, but never with the coach or the team. When I'm not playing, I know I need to improve things. I want to become a great player and I'm very ambitious.

... his different positions: 

My favorite position is in the six. In this position, you have a different view of the pitch and I have the whole game in front of me. But I can also play central defender. However, this position was of course different because I've only played there once in my professional career so far. But overall, it's important that I can play different positions. That helps me overall and helps me progress as a player.

... the six-man position: 

When I go out on the pitch, I don't feel any pressure. But I like it when the opponent puts me under pressure. I also like to organize my team with or without the ball. I'm a player who likes to be a leader. I think this position is best for that.

... the Red Bull system:

I did have a few problems with the style of play at the beginning because some things were new to me. But if you want to be a good player, you have to understand the game and be able to play different styles.

Cost 13 million euros: Gourna-Douath (left).

(Bild: AP/Mathias Schrader)

... the high transfer fee: 

Before I signed, I was told that they weren't putting any pressure on me because I'm very young. That's still the case today and I'm very grateful to the club for that. I know that I cost a lot, but that doesn't matter. The success of the club is the most important thing.

... his membership of the team council: 

That makes me happy, also because I haven't been there long. But Salzburg is my home. I love the club and my team-mates. They have placed a lot of trust in me and I want to take on responsibility.

... his childhood: 

I'm very lucky to be in Salzburg. We have a house, enough to eat and are safe. It wasn't always like this. I grew up in Paris, where there are many good footballers who were less fortunate. My childhood wasn't easy, I was only brought up by my mother. Today I'm grateful for the way things have turned out so far.

... his move from Saint Etienne to Salzburg: 

I had several offers, but I took the best alternative. That was the right decision. I didn't really talk to any Salzburg players. I saw Salzburg with Haaland in the Champions League and heard good things about the club. I knew it was a great move for a young player.

... the fact that he moved to Salzburg on his own: 

It wasn't difficult. I'm an open person, I want to get to know people and learn other languages. When I arrived here, I only spoke French. Now I speak English very well. I had a clear plan when I went to Salzburg. I wanted to improve as a player every day, play in the Champions League and win the league. I also wanted to be able to talk to my coach and my colleagues. I said at the time that I wanted to learn German and English. That's also a matter of respect for me. However, German is still very difficult for me (laughs). But I understand a little bit. I speak English with the trainer. Mustapha Mesloub also helped me a lot when I arrived in Salzburg. He was and is very important to me.

... his family and life in Salzburg:

My mother comes very often. My friends and my brother are also always here. They like the city, it's very beautiful and worth living here. When I have a free afternoon, I like to go there with my friends. We often go for a walk, have a drink or go to a restaurant.

Lucas enjoys life in Salzburg.

(Bild: Tröster Andreas)

... Role models: 

I watch a lot of documentaries about great athletes like Muhamed Ali or Rafael Nadal. I can take something from many of them. I'm also a big fan of Lebron James. I like his mindset and his mentality. But it's not just about sport. I can also take something from people like Bill Gates, I know his biography.

... France's U21 coach Thierry Henry:

He is strict, but also very close with his players. He wants to share his experience from the big clubs he has played for. Training under him is a great experience.

... his goals with France: 

I played for all the youth teams from the U16s and was captain until the U20s. Of course, my goal is to play for the senior national team one day. But that's not on my mind at the moment. At the end of this season are the Olympic Games with the U23 team. I'm focused on that, I'd love to be there.

... his future:

My plan is clear. I have a contract with Salzburg until 2027. Maybe I'll even extend it again, who knows. In any case, I feel really good here. Only God knows the future.