Ben Old: “Everyone keeps talking to me about the All Blacks”

Having joined AS Saint-Étienne last summer from Wellington Phoenix, Ben Old is navigating his first season in French football.

After your serious knee injury in October and five months out, you’ve been back on the pitch since late March…
It was a very tough period, especially because I had started the season really well and was beginning to show what I could do. The injury came at the worst possible time, and it was frustrating to have to wait so long to get my rhythm back. It took a few weeks, but for the past 15 days or so, I’ve felt like I’m back to the level I was at before the injury (MCL and meniscus). I might even be in better shape now! It feels great, and now I need to do everything I can to get more minutes and help the team as much as possible.

Aside from the injury, how do you assess your first season in France on a personal level?
Given everything that happened, I’m pretty satisfied. I came here with big ambitions, and I’d made such a strong start that I’d love to know how things could’ve gone if I hadn’t been injured. But even with that setback, I managed to return relatively quickly and get back into the same rhythm. That’s what I’ll take away from this season.

“A big step up for me”

What were the biggest challenges in adapting to French football?
The obvious one was the level – there was a big step up for me coming from the A-League (the Australian and New Zealand top flight where Old played with Wellington Phoenix). Players here are better, faster, stronger... Tactically it’s very different too, with a lot more man-marking. It was tough to get used to, but I think my style of play suits French football as well. So, I’ve had to adapt to a different style and a higher level of competition.

Can you explain a bit more about the A-League?
There’s more zonal marking, more build-up play from the back, and a different kind of pressing. Here, the game is quicker and more physical. Winning your duels is crucial. The A-League isn’t the most high-profile league, but it’s improving. More and more young players are moving on to top leagues around the world. There are also experienced pros who bring quality and tactical know-how. Physically it’s different, sure, and there’s a clear gap to Ligue 1 McDonald’s, but it’s a good league.

And what about the competitiveness?
A lot of teams are capable of winning, and the title race changes hands regularly. A New Zealand team, Auckland FC, just finished top of the regular season in their debut A-League campaign. That says a lot about the parity in the league. It’s a bit like MLS – anyone can beat anyone.

“Louis Mouton mostly taught me swear words!”

You’re not the first New Zealander to play in France. Do you know who came before you?
Yes – Bill Tuiloma! He played for Marseille. I’ve been with him several times for the national team, and we spoke about his experience here. Bill didn’t get much playing time at OM before heading to MLS, but he gave me valuable advice. He told me to be patient while settling in, but that I’d be able to establish myself. When I told him I was coming to France without my family, he said it would be tough. But in the end, it’s been way easier than I expected! Everyone at Saint-Étienne has been so welcoming – the fans are amazing, and I’ve made a lot of friends. That off-pitch comfort definitely helps me perform better on it.

Who are you closest to in the squad?
Louis Mouton – we’re really good mates now. At first, communication was hard because I didn’t speak much French, but we clicked. Maybe because we have similar personalities. I teach him English, and he teaches me French. A few other guys speak English too, and so does the coach, so I can get by in English pretty often. My favourite French phrase? I’ll keep it clean – Louis mostly taught me swear words! Let’s go with: “Allez les Verts!”

What do you miss most since moving to France?
The beaches! Back home I lived by the sea, which was such a blessing. There are beaches in some parts of France, but not in Saint-Étienne (laughs). I also miss my mum’s cooking, especially her nachos! But honestly, I can’t complain – French cuisine definitely lives up to the hype.

What’s surprised you the most here?
Probably the weather! It’s very different from New Zealand, where the climate is pretty consistent year-round – not too hot, not too cold. I arrived in France in the middle of summer and it was boiling. Then during winter, while I was injured, it got freezing and dark early. In the A-League, we only play in summer!

“Kiwis never put themselves forward”

How would you describe New Zealand to someone who’s never been?
I’d recommend it to anyone! The number one draw is the natural beauty and the feeling of peace you get. Everyone I talk to who’s visited says they want to go back – even if they live far away. The landscapes are stunning.

Are there any clichés about New Zealanders?
Our best and worst trait is the same – we’re humble and grounded. We never try to stand out. That’s great in some ways, but it can hold us back too. That’s where the tall poppy syndrome comes from – cutting down people who stand out. But generally, Kiwis are kind people. Funnily enough, I’d heard that French people were arrogant, but that hasn’t been my experience at all in Saint-Étienne. People have been super welcoming, even though I’m from a different country and speak a different language.

Who would you say is New Zealand’s most famous personality?
In football, definitely Chris Wood. He’s been scoring goals in the Premier League for years and doing amazing things. I’m lucky to play with him in the national team and know him a bit – he’s a role model for all New Zealand footballers. We also have some top golfers. Outside of sport, the most famous Kiwi globally is probably the singer Lorde.

You mentioned Chris Wood – can you tell us more about the All Whites?
We’re trying to be more possession-based and effective, whereas in the past we focused more on long balls and physicality. A lot of people assume we play football like we play rugby – and we’re working to change that perception. Qualifying for the next World Cup gives us a great chance to progress and prove ourselves. Australia made it to the last 16 at the last World Cup – now it’s our turn to show what we can do!

Australia? Aren’t they your big rivals?
They are, for sure – in every sport. But it’s great to see Australian athletes succeeding on the world stage. You’ve got to put that rivalry aside sometimes (smiles).

“My family never wanted me to play rugby”
We can’t finish without mentioning the All Blacks…
Since I arrived in France, people have constantly brought up the All Blacks! Our rugby team is world-famous – and rightly so. But here’s something that might surprise you: football is actually the most played sport in New Zealand, not rugby. Football is really growing and becoming more popular. But with all the All Blacks’ success, it’ll take time before people start associating New Zealand with football rather than rugby!

Did you ever play rugby yourself?
Only touch rugby at school – my family never wanted me to play proper rugby. At the time, that frustrated me, but it was probably the right call. I was a very small kid, so I wouldn’t have lasted long! (laughs) My other sport isn’t rugby – it’s golf.

Did you ever consider choosing golf over football?
I come from a golf-mad family. Everyone plays. I loved it too and even played tournaments in the US when I was five or six – that was probably the peak of my golf career (laughs). I played both sports for years – golf in summer, football in winter. But when I joined the Wellington Phoenix academy at 16, I had to choose. Football was always my number one passion, and while I sometimes wonder if I could’ve made it in golf, I have no regrets. I still play whenever I can – even in Saint-Étienne, though less than before.

Who’s the best golfer in the ASSE squad?
Golf’s not as popular here as back home, but there are a few guys who play. Am I the best? I don’t like saying that, but yes – I think I am. Thomas Monconduit, who left the club in January, was pretty good too!

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