The Canadian full-back joined the Impact’s training camp in Florida
There’s a new face at training camp this week. Zachary Brault-Guillard, who joined the Impact on loan from Olympique Lyonnais for the duration of the 2019 season, met his teammates for the first time a few days ago and has already taken part in a few training sessions with the team.
“My integration is going well so far,” said Brault-Guillard, speaking to Impact Media in Sarasota, Florida, for the first time. “I think the fact that there are so many French-speaking people will be helpful with anything regarding on-field placement and in-game systems.”
The young Canadian defender moved to France when he was seven years old, where he played his entire youth career. After joining Lyon at the U13 level, the 20-year old served as captain on the French club’s U19 team and reserve team, before making the move back to his hometown through a loan.
“He’ll need to adapt to the Québécois accent first,” joked Samuel Piette. “More seriously, I think he just needs to get accustomed to the Montreal fans and to the differences between the European leagues and MLS.”
Piette, who knows Brault-Guillard well from the national team program, thinks his compatriot will have no trouble integrating into the squad quickly.
“He’s young but really strong physically,” added Piette. “Not the tallest but built very big. He’s not here to find the back of the net but to be solid defensively, and I can tell you already, not much gets by him.”
Brault-Guillard is expected to compete with veteran full-back Bacary Sagna for the starting role on the right side of the Bleu-blanc-noir’s defense, although the Canadian international is ready to excel wherever the coach may need him.
“Rémi and I spoke quite a lot before I came here,” said Brault-Guillard. “We had a similar project in mind. Rémi wants to give the most playing time possible. After that, it’s up to me to make my place on the team. I know there’s a lot of competition but I’m ready to work hard to make it a healthy competition.”
Sagna, on his end, signed a one-year contract with the Bleu-blanc-noir during the offseason. The seasoned right-back has had a stellar career, most notably playing a decade in the Premier League with English clubs Arsenal and Manchester City.
For Brault-Guillard, playing alongside the French international can only be a good thing for the progression of his career.
“The fact that Bacary is in that position as well can make him a good mentor for Zachary,” added Piette. “I think he’ll help him make any necessary adjustments and help him grow as a player.”
“He’s had such a good career, at the club level and internationally as well,” added Brault-Guillard. “It’s a source of motivation and recognition as a right-back to play alongside him every day.”
