Last week, defender Damien Perrinelle started his first MLS game when the New York Red Bulls faced Sporting Kansas City.
It may have led some fans to scratch their head, seeing a player who was a reserve last season promoted to the starting lineup the next year.
“Often, substitutes reach another level with a new coach,” Perrinelle said. “This is the start of a new project, with a new staff looking at me with a different eye. The coach made his own choices, and the first game tends to prove him right.”
- Adapted from Coup Franc: Le français s’impose sur le terrain
Among these choices made by new Red Bulls boss Jesse Marsch was pairing the Frenchman Perrinelle with his countryman
Ronald Zubar
in
New York's 1-1 road draw with Sporting Kansas City
. On the field, their connection is a unique one, literally, among most Red Bulls players: They speak French to each other.
“This is necessary because of game situations," Perrinelle said. "We have the same soccer language, including the words we use to communicate. Decisions that have to be taken quickly are taken in French. But when other players could be involved, we speak English.”
It was just a few months ago when the 31-year-old center back was wondering why the Red Bulls signed him late last July. With former head coach Mike Petke in charge, Perrinelle made just two appearances off the bench.
“[Petke] agreed on my transfer," Perrinelle said. "We had five central defenders, but he already had his starters and even his third man. He wasn’t likely to trust more a newcomer than players who already knew how he wanted to play.”
Despite that, at the end of the season Perrinelle agreed on a new contract, with a reduced salary, and he has been one of the beneficiaries of the coaching change with a chance to start from scratch.
"I won’t talk about the past; it wouldn’t be useful," Perrinelle siad. "Jesse Marsch has a different approach and doesn’t manage the group the same way. He’s open and talks a lot with the players. The roster changed a lot. That’s a new project, and I’m proud to be part of it.”
The chance to earn a spot in the starting lineup was only part of Perrinelle's decision to take a pay cut and stay in MLS rather than return to the French second division.
“I earned less than in Ligue 2, but here I play in full stadiums for a team renowned worldwide, and I’m delighted to practice in wonderful facilities. This is more than compensation," Perrinelle said, before going on to contrast the two leagues. "Here, nobody relaxes during training sessions, everybody gives 10,000 percent. During games, there’s no moment of respite. You can’t say to yourself, ‘I’ll manage it quietly.’ Even tired, the opponent gives everything until the end. This is the Anglo-Saxon mentality.”
Perrinelle discovered MLS after 10 years of European experience, a choice he clearly does not regret at all.
“When I play, I have so much fun," Perrinelle exclaimed. "In an atmosphere like the one in Kansas City, I don’t need to find a motivation to play, as it happened when I was in Ligue 2. MLS is full of rhythm and challenges; the league suits me. But I'm also pleasantly surprised by the technical skills and the philosophy of several teams. Columbus made a very good impression on me last year.”
In love with the United States, Perrinelle also helps young French players to cross the ocean. With a friend, he built a social project that allowed about 20 teenagers to receive scholarships to attend an American college last year.
Yes, his is a healthy soul in a healthy – and nice – body: Perrinelle has also spent some time as model.
“Only a few times, to help friends," the Red Bulls defender said laughing.
Although he has not yet worked with MLS' most famous French stylist, Orlando City defender Aurélien Collin.
"I've known Aurélien Collin for a long time, but he's never called me for that," Perrinelle said.
For the time being, Perrinelle will keep the soccer field his main stage. His next show? Sunday at Red Bull Arena against D.C. United (5pm ET, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN).
