Folarin Balogun: “I have the mentality of always wanting to do better”
He is the second most decisive player in the Monegasque squad this season. Scorer of four goals and three assists, only Takumi Minamino (5 goals, 4 assists) has done better than Folarin Balogun. Having arrived this summer at the very end of the transfer window, the Rouge et Blanc striker, in the running for the title of American player of the year, even had a pair of assists against Rennes. Two days ahead of facing OL (Friday, 21:00), he spoke at the pre-match press conference. Extraits. 🗣️
How he is feeling
I feel good physically and am happy to be playing in this fantastic team. I am very happy to have been able to sign, it’s a new challenge. Before joining AS Monaco, I trained at home to stay in shape. I feel really good here and my understanding of French is better today. For example, I understand some of your questions, even if it is still difficult to answer you in this language.
His personal statistics
I have the mentality of always wanting to do better, with the aim of helping the team win matches. Personally, I am focused on my work without looking at what the other attackers in the French league are doing. This is the best way to be decisive.
3, 2, 1… @balogun 🚀 pic.twitter.com/5cVJLHMmaN
— AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) October 9, 2023
Competition with Wissam Ben Yedder
When I arrived here, I knew Wissam’s status at AS Monaco and in France. I don’t take it as competition because I learn a lot from him by playing alongside him. I am very happy to be with him. It’s up to the coach to decide who plays and I have to be ready when he calls on me as a starter or as a substitute. I’m here to help the team and I don’t worry about this competition.
Fofana having scored in his last three matches
I didn’t give him any particular advice. I knew he didn’t score much in previous years and I’m happy to have given him an assist last week in Rennes for his first goal of the season with AS Monaco.
Un premier but cette saison alors que son équipe évoluait en infériorité numérique ✊@YFofana19_ 👏 pic.twitter.com/y8scN1XYQG
— AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) December 11, 2023
His opinion on OL
Being afraid of them waking up is the key word. It’s up to us to be focused on this match and to be humble in order to come away with the three points. Despite their being in last place, Lyon is a great team in the league and the table does not necessarily reflect their level because they have been unlucky in some matches that I have seen.
A reunion with Alexandre Lacazette
I’m happy to see him again on Friday because he gave me advice when we were both at Arsenal, and I was still a young player. Last season we talked a lot together when we met. He has a lot of experience. He is a clinical striker in front of goal, a good finisher. He is also capable of taking up space and making a connection with his teammates. I was inspired by his character.
The two missed penalties against Nice
After the match, my teammates talked to me and helped me pick my head up. They told me it was football and that I should continue to stay positive. Today, I don’t necessarily think about it and I know that I will have other opportunities to score other goals. If I have to take another penalty, I will. But if the coach designates another taker, I will leave it to him, it is the collective spirit that must prevail.
The US national team
It’s a source of pride every time to represent your country but it’s never guaranteed. To do this, I must continue to work. I grew up in London and studied there but I’m not frustrated not to wear the England jersey because the United States really wanted me and it suited my development. I was born in New York and I go back there often to see my family and friends. I am also happy to be nominated for the American Player of the Year.
Announcing…
Your finalists for 2023 @USSoccer Male Player of the Year:
🇺🇸 @balogun
🇺🇸 @yunusmusah8
🇺🇸 @Ricardo_Pepi9
🇺🇸 @pulisic
🇺🇸 @headdturnerrFull Details » https://t.co/U9QVYx7GgZ pic.twitter.com/XYHkTmbo8F
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) December 11, 2023
Returning to the USA during the break
It’s true that it’s all new to me but the team helps me a lot to adapt. I have to learn to manage the time difference, and for that, I take advice from the experienced players in the squad who are used to doing that.
