Prior to Rennes' emphatic win on Saturday, 23-year-old striker Albert Gronbaek spoke about his first few months in France, the club's current situation and the Nations League in which he is representing Denmark.
Gronbaek was the most expensive transfer for Rennes in the summer, with a price tag of around €15 million, having arrived from Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt.
The Danish striker, who trained at Aarhus, scored 15 goals in 2023 and 10 goals in 2024 with Bodo/Glimt. Since his arrival, he has found the net just once and provided one assist in 13 games played, only eight of which were as a starter.
How would you analyse the 1-0 defeat to Lille?
There were some positive moments. We showed that we can play good football in certain situations. But I think the main thing is that we need to be a bit more precise in the final third, when we make the final pass, because when we're in midfield, we showed that we can play well.
And of course, there were periods when we were a little more dominated. But I think there were some positive things that we need to keep producing and that we need to take with us into the next game.
What is this team lacking?
It's the last pass or the last touch on the last third of the pitch. It's as if we're very good at breaking through the opposition defence, but when you get to the last part of the pitch, it's as if something is missing... But I think that as soon as we've managed to unlock that, things will be really better.
Because we saw again against Lille that we know how to stay compact. And it was difficult to create situations against us, compared to earlier in the season when our opponents had a lot more chances. I think that aspect was very positive against Lille.
What do you think of Ligue 1 since your arrival this summer?
It's difficult. It's very physical. All the teams know how to play and all the teams are physically imposing. So it's a tough league, but we just need to keep working hard every day in training. I know that at some point it will pay off.
And personally, how do you feel about the start of the championship after 12 games?
I think we've got off to a good start. Personally, I've had a few good games. It's been difficult recently, but I also think there's a light at the end of the tunnel. To do that, you have to keep working hard. And I'm sure that great results will come.
Do you feel any pressure on your shoulders given the size of your transfer?
I don't think too much about that. I concentrate every day on making progress and doing better in training. And of course it's a bit frustrating at the moment, but that's the way it is. But as I've already said, I feel there's great potential in this team. And when we get that situation sorted out, it will certainly be better.
What is your goal?
The main thing is the feeling of playing in this team and you know having that feeling, that connection with each other. When everything is clearer, when we have the ball, we'll know what to do at the right time. I hope that happens very soon.
You're a Danish international, and Denmark will face Portugal in the quarter-finals of the Nations League in March 2025. What are your expectations?
I think it's going to be great to play those two games. We have a strong team in Denmark, and I'm sure we can cause Portugal problems. And I hope we go all the way in the competition.
You're looking forward to these games...
Of course. I love playing with my national team-mates. It's great fun. Every time I'm called up for Denmark, it makes me happy.