Football: Interview with Chelsea’s Michael Mancienne-“If I don’t play for England at 25, I will definitely play for Seychelles” |27 June 2007
He has always been fascinated by classy players in the likes of Mark Hughes, Roberto Di Matteo and Gianfranco Zola, though his favourite player was French central defender Marcel Desailly.
A composed centre-back by trade, professional footballer Mancienne, who has captained England at Under-18 kevel, was loaned Queens Park Rangers (QPR) in the Championship last season.
Currently on holiday here, Sports Nation met the braided 19-year-old defender at the Glacis pitch and he willingly gave us an interview.
Sports Nation: How did it all start with Chelsea?
Michael Mancienne: I was playing Sunday league football for Kingstonian FC when I was seven years old and there was a Chelsea scout at one of the tournaments. He later approached my dad and expressed his wish for me to join Chelsea. The following week I signed with them. Since then I will say that everything went on well and my career is moving forward, especially after going on loan to QPR. It proves that there are other teams who are interested in me and if I don’t get the chance now with Chelsea I can go on loan again.
Sports Nation: Is it easy at your age to compete for a place on a team boasting a number of stars?
Michael Mancienne: They (the stars) push me in a way because they make me aware of the standard I have to play at and they make me want to be just as good as them. I know I can be as good as them and that I can make the first team.
Sports Nation: How does it feel to work under Jose Mourinho and how can you describe him?
Michael Mancienne: Apart from being a bit arrogant, he is a really good manager and a good tactician. You can see that through whatever he has accomplished.
Sports Nation: How was last season with Queens Park Rangers?
Michael Mancienne: It went on really well. I played 30 matches and I played very well for QPR. I was up for the Young Player of the Year Award, but unfortunately I sustained some injuries towards the end of the season and some other young player came in and scored some important goals which earned him the title.
Sports Nation: How would you describe your feat with the England youth team?
Michael Mancienne: I have played for England at under-16 and the under-19 levels. Stuart Pearce, the under-21 manager, has come to watch my game on several occasions and he has seen me playing very well so I will keep on pushing forward.
Sports Nation: What have been the main highlights of your young career so far?
Michael Mancienne: Going out on loan to QPR was a massive experience for me. Making the Chelsea team who went to America and to be on the bench during the first two matches of last season against Manchester City and Liverpool are among the highlights so far.
Sports Nation: Do you follow Seychelles’ football?
Michael Mancienne: Oh yes, I follow Northern Dynamo because my uncle (Cliff Nolin) is the manager and I like watching them play.
Sports Nation: If you do not get the chance to play for the England national team would you consider playing for Seychelles?
Michael Mancienne: Definitely! If I don’t get the chance to play for England by the time I reach 25 years old, I will definitely play for Seychelles.
R. D.