Gabonese international Jacques Ekomié has expressed his determination to help SCO Angers retain their place in Ligue 1, following his adaptation to the French top flight after joining from Bordeaux last summer.
In a recent interview with the club’s official website, the 21-year-old left-back discussed his initial experiences with the team, as well as his impressions of Ligue 1.
Ekomié, who made the move to Angers after a season with Bordeaux in Ligue 2, has been making his mark in Ligue 1 during his first year with the club. Reflecting on his transition, the young defender shared that the integration process has gone smoothly.
“It went very well,” he explained. “I arrived at the end of preseason, but I quickly got into the rhythm of the season and settled in well. I get along well with everyone here.”
The leap from Ligue 2 to the French top flight has been a significant step for Ekomié, and he has embraced the challenge with enthusiasm. In his first 15 appearances for Angers, he has proven to be a valuable asset to the team, contributing both defensively and in supporting the attack.
The former Bordeaux player admitted that the difference in intensity between the two divisions was something that took some time to adjust to, but it has also been a motivating factor in his development.
“Ligue 1 is a magnificent championship. There’s a high level of play, and the competition is fierce,” he noted. “What struck me the most was the concentration required.
You really have to pay attention to every detail during a match. It’s true that after games, we’re mentally exhausted because the level of focus needed is so high.
That’s what stood out to me most when comparing it to Ligue 2.”
With 15 matches already under his belt in Ligue 1, Ekomié has quickly adapted to the pace and demands of the top division.
However, as the season progresses, the focus for the club has shifted toward ensuring their survival in the league. Angers currently sit just two points above the relegation zone, with Le Havre lurking close behind.
For Ekomié and his teammates, the main objective for the remainder of the season is clear. “The main objective we all have here is to stay up, obviously,” he said.
“Our goal is to ensure our place in Ligue 1, and we’re determined to achieve that as quickly as possible.”
The young left-back’s words reflect the urgency felt within the squad, as they strive to avoid the drop and secure their top-flight status for another season.
With only a narrow margin between Angers and the relegation zone, every match will be crucial in determining their fate.
Ekomié’s leadership and commitment to the club’s cause will be vital in the coming weeks, as the team faces critical fixtures in their bid to stay in Ligue 1.
His confidence in his own abilities and the support of his teammates will play a pivotal role in their survival fight.
As the season enters its final stages, SCO Angers’ focus will be on consistency and determination, with the players rallying around their shared objective of staying in the top division.
Ekomié’s strong desire to help Angers remain in Ligue 1 is a testament to his drive and commitment to the club’s cause, and he will undoubtedly continue to be a key figure in their efforts to secure safety.