Rafael on flummoxing Fergie
The former Man United full-back on losing Lacazette, Lyon’s title tilt and Fergie’s twin confusion
You left Manchester United two years ago, so how are you finding life at Lyon now? I’m very happy here. It’s a lovely place and it’s been a great experience so far. Things weren’t easy at the beginning – I found it difficult to adapt to the French league and I didn’t play my best in the first few months, but I’m settled now.
It’ll soon be 10 years since Lyon won the Ligue 1 title. Is there a feeling that the club should be in contention for the top honour once again? A quick walk around the club and you realise how badly everyone wants the trophy again – it has been a long time. Lyon won it seven times in a row, so it is understandable that other clubs found a way to stop them, but we are going in the right direction to become champions again.
Do you think Lyon could even win it this season? Sure – the squad has a good mix of talented young stars and experienced players. With Alex Ferguson I learned that is key in building a successful team.
A lot of players have come through at Lyon in recent years – Alexandre Lacazette, Corentin Tolisso, Nabil Fekir and others. Why is that? In two or three years’ time you will see even more great players made in Lyon, like Mouctar Diakhaby, Amine Gouiri, Myziane Maolida and 16-year-old Willem Geubbels. Every club will want to sign them sooner rather than later. It’s the culture of this club – the philosophy is to give time to talented players.
“FERGIE WOULD SAY: ‘COME ON, GO TO THE LEFT WING.’ THEN I’D JUST LOOK AT HIM AND HE’D GO: ‘I MEANT RIGHT WING, RAFAEL!’”
What did you think about Lacazette joining Man United’s rivals, Arsenal? Wrong choice, my friend! [Laughs] I’m just joking – the way Arsenal play suits him. Alexandre is a technical forward who likes to be involved in the build-up play, so it might be the ideal club for him in England. He’s a big loss for us – he’s a top-class player. I think he’ll be very successful in the Premier League.
Do you visit your brother Fabio back in England? Has it been hard to see him relegated three times recently? Yes, but we both control our emotions better now. We’d get anxious about each other’s games and it didn’t help as we’d lose energy, especially when we were playing together. Now we’re more mature. I saw him three times last season. I had great moments in the UK – it’s great to go back and visit.
Has moving to France now stopped people confusing the two of you? It’s funny you’re asking that, because a few days ago I saw a Man United fan next to Fabio on Twitter and he wrote my name, even though Fabio was wearing a Middlesbrough shirt! The guy got very confused. So it does still happen... but what can we do?
Was there ever a time when Alex Ferguson got you both confused? A time? It happened many, many times! [Laughs] It wasn’t rare that before training he’d look at me and say: ‘Come on, go to the left wing.’ When that happened, I used to just look at him without saying a word. Then he’d go: ‘I meant right wing, Rafael!’ It’s funny to remember it – Fergie is a special person in my life.
Did Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 have a big impact on your career? Yes, it did. He’s the best manager I’ve ever worked with, no doubt. I learned so many things from him and I will be grateful for that forever. He’d always have some good advice to tell you at training. He knew exactly how to deal with each of his players – ones who’d improve with some compliments and motivation, and ones he’d need to be severe with. That, plus his knowledge of the game, made him the best ever.
Do you still support Man United? Yes, 100 per cent. I was very happy at the club and grew up both as a man and as a player, too. I feel confident after the new signings they’ve made - I hope United will become Premier League champions again this season.