Youssouf Fofana: "I am able to bring new energy"
He earned his ninth cap with France against the Netherlands. Once again called up by Didier Deschamps during the March international break, Youssouf Fofana is asserting himself more and more with Les Bleus, as he has been able to do with AS Monaco. An indisputable starter with 37 matches played to date, he will be one of the important players for the end of the season in the team’s quest for the European places. It is with this state of mind that the midfielder spoke at a press conference two days before a visit from Strasbourg, his first professional club.
Strasbourg, a special match for him…
Of course, yes, even if the feeling has faded a little over time. This in fact makes it three years since I came to AS Monaco. Strasbourg, it seems it was a long time ago. But it’s always a pleasure to find people I know, especially with my new status as a French international. I hope they manage to stay in Ligue 1 but I wish them success after they play against us (Laughs).
A possible parallel with the last two seasons
There is not much different, things will be determined on fine margins. We will have to respond mentally and everyone will have to be confident in order to continue to believe in what’s possible. This season, we are less far behind than in previous years, and it is easier to put things in motion. We hope to carry out a third “remontada” with more tranquility about our play. Experience can play a role, but we would have preferred to avoid it and be in the top places straight away. We know the way forward; we know where we want to go.
The International break
I was very happy to be called up again. I was able to reconnect with some friends who were also in Qatar. It was almost the same squad. I am super proud to be part of this beautiful generation and I will do everything to stay there by working hard.
This week has given me a boost as I realized that I was no longer doing certain things. Likewise, for those who stayed to work at the Performance Center, it felt good to have a week without competition. They were able to work well and when I returned on Thursday I felt a new momentum in the squad and we hope to ride on it.
His role in the evolution of Mamadou Coulibaly
With Mamadou, things immediately went well during the preparation because we have things in common. I have seen the Elite Group play, and what he has been doing there is not bad. He still has time to continue to progress but he has a big capacity for improvement. I saw the goal he scored against La Spezia and it looked like he had been there since September. It bodes well for the future and I hope he can continue to be integrated into the squad.
🗓 Ce jeudi matin, à l'occasion d'un match amical, l'AS Monaco affrontait l'@acspezia.
Les deux équipes se sont quittées sur un score de parité (1-1) alors que le jeune Mamadou Coulibaly est le buteur côté monégasque. pic.twitter.com/fOcQ4i4tB9
— AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) March 23, 2023
The importance of his partnership with Mo’ Camara
Personally, I have felt tired. I think I was less dynamic, and more reactive and not active. It pleases me that you say that the results of the Club will come through the play of a “big Mo'” and a “big Youss'”, because at the start of the season, opinions were a little mixed on this duo. I think if we manage to win the battle in midfield, we will have more chances to win matches. I know that I am capable of bringing new energy.
