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Pedro Mendes, pillar of the new Montpellier

The Brazilian Hilton (43), traditional Brazilian boss of the defense of Montpellier, was sacrificed after the change of pattern operated by Michel Der Zakarian, who abandoned his irremovable 5-3-2 for a 4-3-3 device more daring and offensive.

As a direct consequence of this upheaval, Pedro Mendes, a 30-year-old globetrotter spent notably and briefly by Real Madrid, is now associated with the experienced Daniel Congré in a two-headed central axis which was certainly surprised on Wednesday against Metz (defeat 2-0) but seems to give all the guarantees before facing the Brestois on Sunday for the 16th day.

Effect of competition, called into question after a previous campaign parasitized by boxes of all colors, the Portuguese international (a selection) has regained the form of his first two seasons in Hérault to impose his authority. Strong in duels and skilled in aerial play, he even scored two goals … from the knee.

Strong head, the former central defender of Rennes (2015-2017) also disciplined his game to avoid unnecessary mistakes. “I did a mental job to save myself a little stupid cards for one word too much or aggressive behavior. They too often prevented me from chaining matches and being consistent. I calmed down,” explained the one who has taken only two yellow cards in 13 games played this season.

The Lisbon player, born in Switzerland and trained at Sporting Lisbon, was still feeling guilty this summer following his exclusion against Paris SG (3-1) in December 2019, a turning point in last season.

– A l’Euro ? –

“This start to the season is better than last year. I am regaining consistency, I am going through matches and the results are positive,” he relishes.

But he hardly dwells on his performance, nor on that of a Montpellier team ranked 5th and the only outsider to keep pace with the favorites for the title.

“Often we ignite, we make three positive games in a row and we take a slap to go back. We keep our feet on the ground even if things go well and if we play well,” said the defender. “It is not after 15 days that we can speak of Europe”, he recalls.

The Portuguese also knew how to adapt to the new philosophy of play of Montpellier, more attractive but less reassuring for the defense: the rear guard sometimes seems exposed to the opposing waves and more friable than in the past with already 23 goals conceded. “It doesn’t bother me to win 3-2 or 5-4, as long as we take points,” he says.

Can this regained regularity allow Pedro Mendes to see higher? When the indestructible Pepe (37 years old), today in Porto, or Lille’s José Fonte (36 years old) are inevitably approaching retirement, he can consider a return to selection. And why not for the Euro next summer?

“It’s very, very far in my head. If I have a pre-call before the Euro, then I’ll take a closer look”, simply comments the one whose only selection dates back to a friendly against the Scotland, in October 2018.

And if he wants to give everything to play Europe with Montpellier and the Euro with Portugal, it is up to him to continue to be the pillar of defense.

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