The French defender trained with GSP during the off-season

These days, professional athletes never really take a break. The holidays are used to recharge the batteries, of course, but also to perfect their abilities and to improve their physical shape ahead of the next competition. It is exactly what Hassoun Camara did over the winter break: travels and rest, sure, but also exploration of diverse disciplines to have a fresh perspective on his own sport. The tall number six talked with Impact Media about his few weeks off, but also about what he learned from his training sessions with Georges Saint-Pierre and the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final between Senegal, where his parents are from, and Ambroise Oyongo’s Cameroon.

On his physical conditioning during the holidays

“We always look to progress with the advice of the physios and of the coaches. I had a nice season last year, I wanted to base myself on what I did. I did a lot of stretching by following the advice of yoga teachers, which allowed me to feel more what my body is telling me, but also running and physical maintenance in the gym, always communicating with the physical coaches. I am happy to be back here and to attack this new season.”

On what he did to progress away from the pitches

“Soccer in itself is something we have in ourselves. It is difficult to develop our qualities alone. But an efficient way to improve is to try to have a maximum of range in our movements and the best possible supports by working in other sports. I progressed on that front, I also looked for advice. I went on holiday with Georges Saint-Pierre this winter. We had a nice exchange through his sport. He gave me advice on small things I can take from his sport and apply myself, especially for the body’s flexibility and efficiency. It was a nice learning experience. I tried mixed martial arts, but against the best in the world, it’s a little complicated!

“There are interesting techniques in terms of support, on how he moves to bring his opponent to the ground, how he places his feet, which angle he chooses, how he uses his center of gravity… We can easily bring this back to soccer. When I have an opponent in front of me who has the ball, how will I place my feet to get the best supports and orientation to obtain maximum efficiency. These are very interesting things to learn and it was great.

On his travels and what he did with his holidays

“Over the holidays, I went to Paris to see the family. From there, I traveled to Ivory Coast for four or five days. I went to see Didier, a couple of friends who were there and some French artists on holiday. I also traveled with Georges Saint-Pierre, we spent some amazing moments, to learn and work of course, but also to unwind. We each have an association close to our hearts. Personally, I am setting up my own foundation next year, which is something important to me: going to Africa, seeing how I can help kids and women from Western Africa in their everyday life, but also help the kids’ development on a pedagogical level through sport. I want to stress the importance for them to go to school, study well and reward them with sporting activities in the end. I have a lot of projects planned. I think this year will be rich on the soccer front, but everything that comes along with it is important to me and I think we will live some great things.”

On the AFCON quarter-final game between Senegal and Cameroon

“Ambroise is my neighbour, he lives upstairs, he is my friend, but for this game, I am sorry Ambroise… My heart is with Senegal. I’m just coming back from there. I saw the effervescence around this Africa Cup of Nations. People are attached to their team. We have a good team this year, I think the players have a very high level. Sadio Mané [Liverpool FC], Koulibaly at the back [S.S.C. Napoli], Keita [S.S. Lazio]… they are incredible players. I think we have all the assets to take home this cup, but we will have to do it by going over Ambroise! May the best team win in the end, but it is complicated because I wish Ambroise the best. He’s my brother. Well. Let’s say he gets the man of the match award, but Senegal goes through, that would be good!”