Marcelo: "Reconciliation with the supporters has been crucial to my progression"

Marcelo, how has your derby suspension sat with you?
It was very hard to experience. It was difficult to watch the game. We had a good game. It wasn't all perfect. I watched it at home with my family. I was very nervous because ASSE scored the first goal. I trusted the players. I'm excited to be back with my teammates for the match against Angers. I hope we will win to continue a good series. The victory in the derby was very important. We must continue to play like this, it is important.
What has changed from a more difficult start to the season?
We know each other better. The players are used to playing together. We've made progress, both defensively and offensively. We score more goals through players like Tino Kadewere, Karl Toko Ekambi, Memphis. We have to win the next matches against Angers, Reims, Metz. If we do, we'll be close to the podium. It’s difficult to play this kind of team that will alwayys give themselves 300% against OL. I hope everything will go well.
You are one of the most used players by Rudi Garcia. Are we back to having Marcelo in "boss mode"?
You can't play well all the time over 15 years. I feel good at the club, in the city and with my teammates. I think the reconciliation with the supporters has been crucial to my progression. I'm happy with it. We can look ahead now.
Did you imagine yourself having such a career when you were young in Brazil?
No. It's been 15 years since I left Brazil. I've learned a lot of things. I speak five languages, I have made a lot of friends. I have played almost 500 matches. It is a joy to play football. It’s wonderful to have had such experiences.
Son retour de suspension, ses performances cette saison, son parcours ou ses objectifs... @MarceloGuedes02 se livre dans notre entretien ! 🎙
— Olympique Lyonnais (@OL) November 17, 2020
(Re)découvrez notre défenseur central 👉 https://t.co/8ZnHpvSTlY pic.twitter.com/WOuIwAhF8H
Why have you been taking economics and finance courses for the last several years?
It is very important for a player to know who he can work with. It’s like a business. I read a lot of books, it's a passion. I also went to Chicago and Geneva for training. I hope I will graduate soon ahead of the rest of my career.
How important is religion to your football career as well?
There are two important things that you cannot see but live with: fear and faith. If you put a lot of energy into your fear, it doesn't help you. But if you give a lot for your faith, you are always going to think positive.