Shortly after signing a contract tying him to the Mauves for the next three seasons, Giulian Biancone answered a few questions for us. The French centre-back introduces himself to the fans and makes no secret of his lofty ambitions.
Can you introduce yourself in a few words?
“I was born on 31 March 2000 in the south of France. I’ve already spent time in quite a few countries during my career (editor’s note: Belgium, England, Greece). I started out at the Monaco academy and I’m now very happy to be back in Belgium, having previously played for Cercle Brugge. I’m quite a cheerful, very positive person, but also – and above all – a fierce competitor and a hard worker, who always wants to do the best he can.”
What are your strengths as a defender?
“I’m a fairly quick defender and I’m very good at anticipating the game. I’m quite ‘tough’ in one-on-one situations. I’m also capable of using the ball very well, thanks to my passing and dribbling skills. Although, as a defender, that’s not necessarily the first thing people expect from you. I know how to break through defences with my low passes or play slightly longer balls, including diagonal ones.”
You’ve had a pretty crazy few years.
“That’s true. I joined Olympiacos when the club won the Conference League. We then had the chance to put in a fine campaign in the Europa League and, above all, to win the league and cup double. That allowed us to play in the Champions League, where we had a good run. We also won the Super Cup. So there you have it – I’m wrapping up these three years there having won everything there is to win in this country.‘
What did this Champions League experience bring you?
’We were lucky enough to face the biggest clubs on the planet. Clubs like Arsenal, Barcelona and Real Madrid. It’s hard to do better at European level. Extraordinary experiences: taking on the best and seeing what the very highest level is like. It allows us to see the gap between us and the best. It was a great experience that really helps you develop personally as a player.‘
Did all that success in Greece make you hungry for trophies?
’Yes, of course. For me, winning a trophy is the best thing about football. That’s the only thing I play for now, and that’s why I came to RSCA. Because it’s the biggest club in Belgium, the club with the most trophies. It’s time now to bring trophies home."
What did you know about RSCA before signing for them?
“A great deal, because it’s Belgium’s most successful and best-known club. I grew up following the great RSCA of the 2000s and 2010s. When I played for Cercle for two years, it was always a very special experience to come and play at Lotto Park with that unique atmosphere. You can feel all the power, all the grandeur that surrounds that crest. So it’s special to now be part of this club and to have the chance to play in its traditional and historic colours.”
You played alongside Tielemans. Did you speak to him before signing?
“I haven’t spoken to Youri recently, because he’s playing in the World Cup, but I had the chance to have a long chat with him back when we were playing together at Monaco, and he had nothing but good things to say about it. He told me about the academy and his professional debut, which was exceptional.
I also had the chance to speak to Jérémy Taravel, who’s on the RSCA coaching staff and has done a lot to help the club. So that also played a big part in my decision to come here. I’ve heard nothing but positive things.”
What do you think you can bring to the team?
“I hope to bring a lot. And as I’m a defender, I hope to bring a bit more defensive stability, discipline and reliability. As a person, I hope to bring positivity and a touch of humour. As I like to say: good vibes. But also to bring discipline, determination and consistency to our daily work in training. The desire to work hard to achieve the objectives set by the club.‘
Why did you choose to wear the number 4?
’It was very important to me. When I made my professional debut, I wore number 41 and my captain at the time at Cercle wore number four (the captain was no one other than Jérémy Taravel). He was a great role model, a very good defender. I also think of Sergio Ramos, as I grew up watching him. For me, it’s always been the number of the natural centre-back – someone who’s always done his job very well and who’s capable of contributing offensively from set pieces or through his technical ability in open play. I feel it’s a number that’s always suited me well. That’s why I chose it.”
Finally, do you have a message for the fans?
“Of course. I hope they’ll support us throughout the season, which is about to kick off. We’ve set our sights very high. Personally, my ambitions are certainly very high. I’ve come here, as I said, to restore RSCA to its rightful place. And its rightful place in Belgian football is right at the top. But there can only be eleven of us on the pitch. We’ll need everyone at Lotto Park, and everyone who supports us, whether near or far. In any case, we’ll need to stay very united at all times.”
