“Return the trust that the coach gives me”
Holder during the big victory of AS Monaco on the lawn of the Stade de Reims (0-3) before the truce, Maghnes Akliouche continues to score points in the eyes of Philippe Clément. At 20, the French international youth midfielder has high hopes for his training club.
What is your assessment of your start to the season and that of AS Monaco?
Collectively, we are better and better, automatisms are created and the last adjustments are put in place. We have seen it in recent games. On an individual level, I am still learning. I joined the group last summer and I still have this desire to progress. This is my daily goal.
With a first appearance in Ligue 1 in October 2021, a first professional contract signed in February 2022 and a first tenure in Ligue 1 against Reims, everything has accelerated in recent weeks…
I am happy that things are moving in the right direction, but above all I keep my feet on the ground. I have to keep working to continue my progress.
I was told to be more selfish in front of goal. That’s why I try to vary, know how to make the right pass and be sharp in front of the goal
Magnes Akliouche
There is also this match at the Parc des Princes, against Paris Saint-Germain…
It’s a bit of a dream come true, against players I watch on television. But I remained lucid on the ground. I did not think about it. Only afterwards, with hindsight. I said to myself that I had played against the best players in the world. The coach gave me his trust and I gave the best of myself to give him back on the pitch.
Philippe Clément places great trust in you. What does this represent for you?
It is important for a young player to have the confidence of his coach and his staff. When I set foot on the pitch, in a match or in training, I just want to give him that confidence back.
How did you introduce yourself to the group?
I had no trouble fitting in. The group is made up of many young players from the training center, such as Benoît (Badiashile), Eliot (Matazo) or Félix (Lemaréchal). There is a good understanding between us, but also with the more experienced players. They have us a lot.
Bertrand Reuzeau, former director of the training center said of you: “Maghnes is a team player who makes others play. A good definition in your opinion?
Yes, it’s true that I was characterized a lot like that at the center. On me even also blamed it (smile). I was told to be more selfish in front of goal. That’s why I try to vary, know how to make the right pass and be sharp in front of goal.
What are your further areas of progress?
I can still improve in many areas, especially athletically or in the last gesture. It is important to be decisive in the surface and in the finish.
You arrived on the Rock at the age of 15 from your native region, Île-de-France. How was your acclimatization to the region?
It was not easy to leave my parents but I was a little prepared since I went through the INF Clairefontaine. These two years have helped me a lot. It’s always complicated to leave the cocoon, but we get used to it, it’s to realize our passion, which is the most important thing for me. We accept the sacrifices and my family is happy for me. She is also very close to me. Without them, I will not be able to achieve my goals.
I was kinda born with a ball in my feet (smile)
Magnes Akliouche
How were your first steps in football?
I come from a family that loves football. I was born with a ball in my feet (smile). I joined a club (Villemomble Sports, then US Torcy), I really liked it. I was doing my sport, my passion, I was having fun and then I said to myself that I could go higher. You have to be ambitious.
Which players have inspired you?
I have two: Andrés Iniesta and Zinédine Zidane. Well, they are great, great models, but it is still them that I observe a lot.
Andrés Iniesta, Zinédine Zidane, two midfielders, two leaders, two passers… What is your preferred position?
I would say just behind the attacker, in support. I can play everywhere offensively, but it is in this position that I feel the most comfortable.
You received requests during the summer transfer window. How did you experience this off-season?
There are often transfer rumors but I haven’t really paid attention to them. I am focused on my training club. I have confidence in AS Monaco. It was clear in my head. I wanted to continue here.
When we look at the itinerary of a Benoît Badiashile, who knew the training center and who now finds himself in the France team. Is it a journey that inspires you?
Benoît is an example for all the players who arrive at the training center. He had an exceptional career, spending his years in a training center, before moving up to the first team. It’s good for him and I hope he will continue like this.
Is the France team also a longer term objective?
Of course ! But I don’t think it should be in my head right away. First I have to work daily. If it has to happen, it will happen anyway.
It is an immense pride to win a title with his country
Magnes Akliouche
You have already won the Maurice-Rovello tournament with the France U20 team last June. What does it mean to already be part of the French youth teams?
We were all very happy to win this title. It was an experience that made me grow. It is an immense pride to win a title with his country. I now hope to win more.
The club puts training at the heart of its project and many players are subsequently called up to the national team. Is it something that counted in your choice?
AS Monaco is a big club. We know that if we are efficient and consistent, our chance will come. I quickly made my decision when Monaco presented itself to me. We also see it with the new structures. There is everything here to progress and grow.
What are your passions off the pitch?
Apart from football (smiles)? Already, I watch a lot of matches. But I also like cinema and I read a lot. Rather novels and mangas.
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