The race for European places continues! After their victory, secured in the dying moments thanks to a goal from Ansu Fati in stoppage time (91') at the Stade Saint-Symphorien against FC Metz (1-2), the ˆ have now overtaken OM and reclaimed sixth place, just three points off the podium before the other matches of this 32nd round of Ligue 1 McDonald's. Maghnes Akliouche spoke in the mixed zone to discuss the various factors that allowed the Club to turn things around. 🎙️
Good evening Maghnes. We imagine this victory, secured right at the end of the match, feels really good...
Yes! It's a crucial win for us at the end of the season. We know every point counts. Of course, we know we could have done better in this match, but we're really happy to take the three points and come back from behind, because it's never easy, especially at this time of year.
L'Europe est encore envisageable. Quel est l'objectif pour la fin de saison désormais ?
Écoutez, on prend vraiment les matchs les uns après les autres. Cela va aussi dépendre des autres équipes, mais il nous reste deux gros matchs et on veut finir le plus haut possible. Évidemment, on veut jouer l'Europe la saison prochaine, néanmoins pour ça, on va essayer de gagner les deux dernières journées.
For me, it's a pleasure to play with him, and for the team, it's also a source of pride. How did I find him? Well, he was in rhythm, he was trying to make his little passes (smiles), I felt he was pretty good! After five years, I think he has great mental strength to come back.
Maghnes Akliouche on Paul Pogba
What made the difference in the second half? Perhaps the individual talent of certain players?
Yes, we did react to the situation a little. I think from the start, we should have played, taken risks, and combined like we did later. Now, it's important to emphasize that we bounced back well, and the key is to use these kinds of matches to start and finish each game well.
As a teammate, how did you feel about Paul Pogba's first start in almost three years?
Honestly, I'm really happy for him. He told me just before the match that it had been about four or five years since he'd played more than a half, so it's pretty crazy! For me, it's a pleasure to play with him, and for the team, it's also a source of pride. How did I find him? Well, he was in rhythm, he was trying to make his little passes (smiles), I felt he was pretty good! After five years, I think he has great mental strength to come back. In any case, we're here to encourage him and we're happy to have him with us. After the match, he was happy, a bit like a kid (laughs), because it had been a very long time since he'd started!
