Auxerre and Ghana midfielder Elisha Owusu spoke to Betopick about the upcoming Ligue 1 campaign, his desire to get back into the Black Stars fold and more.
When Auxerre made the leap back into Ligue 1 two seasons ago, many doubted their chances of survival, but with Owusu anchoring midfield and often leading as captain, the team not only stayed up but proved they could participate at the top level.
“Last season was a very good season for us,” Owusu reflected in an exclusive interview with Betopick facilitated by Ligue 1.
“We got promoted, so everybody was a little bit stressed.
We showed everybody we can play Ligue 1 and participate with the big teams.
”The highlight came at the Stade Velodrome, where Auxerre stunned Marseille.
“When you beat this kind of team in that atmosphere away, I think it shows that we have something special,” he added.
Leadership has always come naturally to Owusu, dating back to his academy days at Lyon.
Wearing the armband at Auxerre hasn’t changed how he plays.
“For me, really, there is no difference because if you want to bring something to the team, armband or not, you can do it,” he explained.
The role, however, requires him to be the link with Auxerre’s passionate fans.
“In France, it’s like this: the fans are very passionate.
One day, everyone is good and happy, but when everything starts to go left, you have to go see them and talk," he said.
Owusu believes Auxerre must keep the same hunger that carried them last season when they finished mid-table: "The main thing is to keep the same mentality… if we stay together, I think we can do something in this league.
”The midfielder is aware expectations are rising but insists humility is key.
“First of all be humble and not think that now we have arrived.
We need to keep the same hunger and willingness to fight," he stated.
With several new players joining, pre-season has been about chemistry: “Training has been good.
A lot about knowing each other and finding good chemistry.
"Personally, Owusu’s goals are simple, and that’s to build on last season.
“Last season, I scored one goal, so now more than one.
I made three assists, now more than three.
Last season, we were 11th in the league, so better than 11.
”Still, the overall mission is survival.
“The priority is stay in the league.
After that, we see what God brings us.
”This season comes with added Ghanaian flavour in Auxerre’s squad after the arrival of Ibrahim Osman.
For Owusu, the signing was a welcome boost.
“I’m so happy to have another Ghanaian in the team.
I played with Ibrahim Osman at the national team.
I’m really happy and excited to play with him also.
He’s a talent that everybody wants to see play here.
”“We speak a lot about the city, the mentality of the people, what the club wants.
We speak a lot also about Ligue 1,” he added.
His bond with Osman also reignites his hunger for a return to the Black Stars.
Owusu made his Ghana debut in March 2022 in the decisive World Cup playoff against Nigeria, assisting secure qualification for Qatar.
But injuries meant he missed recent call-ups, leaving him eager to play his way back into Otto Addo’s plans ahead of September’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Ghana, placed in a tough group alongside Mali, Madagascar and the Central African Republic, know that two more wins will leave them in pole position to book a ticket to North America.
“I’m so motivated to play for Ghana,” he said firmly.
“To be in the team means a lot.
I’ll do my maximum, my best to be in the team, and we’ll let the coach determine.
”Talk of Ghana inevitably draws Owusu to one of his biggest inspirations: Andre Ayew.
The Black Stars captain recently ended his Ligue 1 journey after over a decade of impact, particularly at Marseille, where he made over 200 appearances and scored 60 goals.
Ayew’s legacy in France is undeniable having gone on to play for other clubs such as Lorient and Le Havre, and Owusu has witnessed it first-hand.
“Ayew is like my big brother.
He’s a top guy since and we’ve played in the national team.
He always talks to me.
In Ligue 1 he has a crazy legacy.
“Everywhere you are in France, you see Ghanaians making mention to him or his father Abedi Pele.
He is a big man who is leaving Ligue 1 ,but with what he did and showed, people will keep speaking about it.
People will keep his name high because he’s a top player.
”For Auxerre, the target is to survive once again in Ligue 1.
For Owusu, the mission is to lead his club with consistency and humility, and reclaim his place in Ghana’s midfield.
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