“Go ahead, hit!”: MHSC goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte looks back on his career ahead of Ligue 1 resumption

Benjamin Lecomte s’apprête à disputer son 300e match en Ligue 1 Midi Libre – JEAN-MICHEL MART

Flashback avant le 300e match en Ligue 1 de Benjamin Lecomte qui est toujours le gardien de Montpellier.

The first match of the season will be his 300th. Benjamin Lecomte (33 years old) will play his 300th match in Ligue 1 on Sunday against Strasbourg at La Mosson, almost fourteen years after his debut. He will lead the defense of Montpellier, joined in the winter of 2023 after a successful first stint (2017-19).

If you suck in the first game, it might be over

What was your most important game ?

The first. He gives everything, he determines things. If you draw the first match, it might be over. I had a good first match, rather a good comeback. After an expulsion, I came on around the hour mark. We were losing 1-0, we lost 1-0. It was in Nancy, at minus 15 degrees, on an artificial pitch.

I played this first match in 2010 (October 23), for my dad's birthday. I can only remember it. I have the scenario in mind as if I had experienced it yesterday.

Which match did you feel the strongest??

When we played against Nimes at home (3-0, September 30, 2018). I was a wall. I said to myself: go ahead, type. I remembered the actions. I wanted to win this match at all costs. For the competitive side, for the importance of the match for Montpellier. I like it to be a little rowdy, when it’s tense.

Benjamin Lecomte during a match against Nîmes Free Midi – RICHARD DE HULLESSEN

What match did you sleep the worst after??

After the descent with Lorient. It was the first play-off, it’s complicated (May 28, 0-0 in front of Troyes, after defeat in the first leg 2-1). I was injured in the fall. I forced myself to come back and I was forced to come back. I had no more fuel, I was no longer performing. Today, I wouldn’t have handled my injury like that.

If I didn't sleep after that time, what about others? They didn't didn't sleep well either when Lorient went down for a goal after an incredible comeback. This is the cruelty of football.

I would have liked to play a match with Atlético Madrid

Which attacker do you fear the most?

Zlatan (Ibrahimovic). He's not here anymore, but he was something. In everything. In the pace, in the body language, in the movements. He's fast, he pulls hard, he's precise, he's technical. With an athletic profile like that, namely his great height, it's exceptional. He was a top, top player. He impressed me. When you play against him, you say to yourself: you're going to have to be strong.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic with the PSG jersey Midi Libre – FRANCK VALENTIN

What is the match that you would have liked play ?

I would have liked to play a match with Atlético Madrid (2021-22 season). I don't have a photo with the Atlético jersey during a match. It's a regret especially considering what I gave in training, in the group….

I could have finished my career there even as number 2 behind Jan Oblak because I had such an exceptional season. The coach (Simeone) is incredible. I knew Griezmann, I was with him in the youth team, but also Lemar, Carrasco, Kondogbia (Monaco)… The club, which lives in a climate of serenity and family, is exceptional.