Yann Bisseck is among the protagonists of this glorious Nerazzurri season. The defender has shown gradual growth in the Nerazzurri shirt and, under the guidance of Cristian Chivu, has carved out an important role. Number 31 gave a long interview to Bild. Here are his statements:
You are a starter in Christian Chivu’s three-man defense. Would you say that Italy is still the country of defenders in top-level football?
“Italy is definitely the country of defenders. I don’t know if it’s because of the quality of the defenders or simply because here an incredible importance is given to this aspect. Even before talking about the offensive phase and ball possession, it always starts from defensive stability. That’s why I believe that the Italian league is still the best in which a defender can learn the most. In these three years at Inter, I have learned a lot.”
This season you have recorded three goals and three assists, becoming one of the most decisive defenders in Europe. Have you worked on your offensive qualities?
“I believe that, as a defender, my main task is to defend, and that’s the aspect I value the most. However, with my 1.96 meters, I also have a responsibility in the opponent’s area, especially on set pieces. Just look at the example of Arsenal: these situations are becoming more and more important in modern football. Now almost every throw-in is sent long into the box, so even a defender can rack up offensive numbers. I love scoring, it’s the most fun part. My father always told me: ‘With your height you can’t lose an aerial duel, you simply look bad if you do.’”
The Inter shirt has a great German tradition. From Lothar Matthäus to Andreas Brehme, passing through Jürgen Klinsmann and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge: many German internationals have played for the club. Are their names still present in the memory of Inter and its fans?
“The Germans really left a huge mark at Inter and are still very much loved. Matthäus, Brehme, Klinsmann, Rummenigge: here they are all true legends. I don’t want to say that this puts pressure on me, but knowing which German champions have played here makes you want not to disappoint.”
You are still fighting for a place at the World Cup. Lately, however, other players have been called up, such as Malick Thiaw, who this season plays with Newcastle in mid-table in the Premier League. Do you feel that players who play in England are more in the spotlight compared to those who play in Serie A?
“I do have the feeling that the Premier League gets more media attention. I think it’s also because of the huge sums of money involved there. But I don’t think this influences the call-ups. I’m sure the coach knows exactly what to look for and what he wants from his team. I just try to do my best here. I think I have succeeded and with the double in Italy we have achieved the maximum. My dream is to take part in the World Cup and wear the Germany shirt. If it happens, I will be very happy.”
When was your last contact with Julian Nagelsmann?
“Before the March call-ups. The coach called me to tell me that my performances are being noticed and that I am part of the small group of players being observed. I give everything every day to become the best professional possible according to my potential.”
Even in training you face very high-level duels. What is it like to defend against Lautaro Martinez?
“You get used to it, of course, but the funny thing about football is this: you know perfectly well how strong a player is. You watch a hundred videos, study all his tendencies… and then he still does something you can’t defend against. With Lautaro it’s like that. And that’s also the beauty of football. Maybe not so much for a defender (laughs).”
What has been the toughest duel against a striker so far?
“I played against Erling Haaland, and it wasn’t easy. He doesn’t get involved in the game that much, but not because he can’t: he simply doesn’t need to. At Manchester City he is surrounded by so many champions that he can focus only on appearing at the right moment in the penalty area. And the advantage for a striker is that it only takes one chance: if he scores, he has had a great game. A defender, on the other hand, can nullify his opponent for 89 minutes and then just one distraction is enough to look bad. With Haaland it’s like that: those are the most terrible, because they’re also the most dangerous.”
And in second place?
“Last year I also faced Harry Kane. He always knows how to score, but unlike Haaland he is constantly involved in the game. You suddenly find him in midfield, then he drops back to get the ball. It’s a completely different way of interpreting the role. He is a top-level striker and you can never fully prepare against him. But these are challenges that excite me.”
Shall we complete your top 3?
“Here I wouldn’t choose a center forward, but an offensive player. In last season’s Champions League semi-final we faced Barcelona with Lamine Yamal, who caused us quite a few problems. Most players, when they find three opponents in front of them, look for the nearest pass. Lamine, on the other hand, almost always manages to find a way to be dangerous anyway. It’s something I respect enormously.”
You graduated at 16, and that also deserves respect. Do you ever tease your teammates about this?
“When I was younger, around 20 or 21, it happened more often. For me, education is an important topic, I like it. I also like reading. Some teammates joke about it. As soon as they hear about books they immediately think: “Wow, he reads books.” But it doesn’t have to be “Homo Deus.”
And now, what book are you reading?
(laughs) “Actually, a book from the “Homo Deus” series.”
