Nicolas Isimat-Mirin, praised by Claudio Ranieri after his commendable performance in Monaco’s victory against Bastia, admits that he had to wait patiently for his opportunity. With Eric Abidal absent, the Guadeloupean defender seized his chance to shine.
Having previously played regularly at a lower-tier club like Valenciennes, Isimat-Mirin understood that his time would eventually come at Monaco. He remained confident in his abilities and was prepared when the opportunity arose.
Although Ranieri has indicated that Abidal will return to the starting lineup for the upcoming match against Reims, Isimat-Mirin sees this as a small window of opportunity for him, especially with Aymen Abdennour sidelined due to injury.
Reflecting on his transfer to Monaco after a successful stint at Valenciennes, Isimat-Mirin acknowledged that it took him some time to adjust. However, he has no regrets and has learned valuable lessons about the unpredictable nature of football.
In the presence of experienced defenders like Ricardo Carvalho and Eric Abidal, Isimat-Mirin emphasizes the importance of humility. He particularly appreciates Abidal’s leadership and guidance, noting how the veteran defender contributes to the team’s collective effort both on and off the field.