Flashscore chatted exclusively with Soumaila Coulibaly about his season to date with Brest, his time in the Bundesliga, and the best defenders he's ever played with.
How is your return to Brest going?
"Everything is going really well. I’ve come back to where I was last year, so I already have my habits, I know everyone at the club, and I feel great here."
Brest took a little while to get back into form, but you’re doing better now with two wins in your last two matches. It seems like the club stayed calm and trusted in its abilities.
"The team changed a bit, with some players leaving and others arriving. But we’ve had some really, really good players come in, and the group had to adapt as quickly as possible. We did our best.
"I don’t think we were ever in a position where we needed to stress about the standings. I think we responded well to keep moving forward and to give our best."
Your first season at Brest was disrupted by a groin injury. Was it tough to go through a season being part of the squad but also sidelined?
"I had this injury that lingered for a while. Now, I feel really good, and that’s why I’m able to play match after match."
You’re on loan from Strasbourg. Does that add any pressure?
"It’s a daily motivation. The reality is, at the end of the season, I know I’ll be going back to Strasbourg. But until then, I’m giving everything for Brest. We’ll see what happens after.
"Of course, every player wants to play, and I’m no different. Brest is giving me that opportunity, and I’m really happy about it."
You’ve been at PSG, Borussia Dortmund, and Antwerp. What have you taken from your training and development at these clubs?
"I learned a lot alongside top defenders. These clubs helped me reach this level, even Strasbourg, in the short time I played there, and of course, Brest. I’m really grateful to them. I’m very happy to have played for such clubs."
If you had to pick the most influential defender you’ve played with, who would it be?
"I’d say Mats Hummels. He’s a really chill, calm person. He often gave advice to the younger players. He’s a great guy."
Do playing styles for defenders vary depending on the country?
"I mostly watched the Bundesliga, since I only made one appearance there. But it’s obvious that in Germany, teams are much more open than in Ligue 1.
"Still, I think both leagues are very demanding if you want to perform. Gaining experience at different clubs can only be a plus. It pushes us to keep our feet on the ground, work hard, and keep moving forward."
Do you have any personal goals in terms of stats or data?
"No, I try to take it one match at a time, prepare well, and keep playing, enjoying it with my teammates. I won’t lie, I don’t look at the ratings, like a lot of players these days - I’m not focused on that.
"I play my matches, watch them back with the staff or on my own to assess my performance. I don’t focus on data or ratings."
If you keep up this winning streak, the top of the table won’t be too far away. Does that mean you can approach 2026 with total confidence?
"We have a good squad, we’re not setting any limits, and we’ll see where we stand at the end of the season."
Brest next face Monaco on Friday in Ligue 1.
