“I have the feeling of reaching new levels”

The Monegasque attacking midfielder, already the scorer of two goals this season, was present at a press conference to discuss the meeting in Rennes this Saturday (9 p.m.).

He manages to continue this season. Handicapped by injuries last year, Eliesse Ben Seghir was only able to play 14 matches in all competitions. A total that he is already close to reaching since he is already at eight. Author of two goals, he who was elected Monegasque player of the month of August was at a press conference, on the eve of the match on the Rennes pitch (9 p.m.). Excerpts. ????️

His state of form

I’m trying to optimize recovery. For this, I hired a personal physiotherapist and I stay in treatment certain afternoons to allow me to feel even better. Of course, it’s not easy to do every 3 days to recover as best as possible and be in good shape, but the calendar is set up like that, we have no choice.

Especially since these were not obvious conditions for playing a great football match in Zagreb. For players who like to knit the ball, it was certainly complicated. There are a lot of matches to negotiate this season, that’s what we wanted last year, we have to take responsibility in order to continue as best as possible.

The sequence, a novelty

It’s not completely new for me since during my first professional season, I had the chance to play in the Europa League. At the time, I mainly did recovery to continue. So I am more ready today to be physically well.

The last matches

I think it comes from the accumulation of matches but what is happening with the group is great, the atmosphere is good. This is what allows us to make the difference in the last moments. It’s also the coach’s second season, we assimilate more quickly what he wants to implement. We are therefore even more efficient.

The coach’s statistical requests

The coach seeks to help me progress and sets several objectives for me, particularly defensive ones. This is the season where I defend the most by going down more. He also wants me to be more decisive, and that comes through stats.

He didn’t want to put a number on what he expected of me but personally, I would like to reach the double-double: 10 goals, 10 assists. This has not often been achieved in Ligue 1. I have the feeling of reaching new levels after a season where I was held back by injuries. I have the confidence of the coach and the staff. Today, I’m playing without brakes and I’ll see what happens.

His goal against Le Havre

The team knows that when I’m on the left side, I like to get on my right foot to roll. I’m used to hitting hard but that wasn’t the case against Le Havre and I was even surprised that it went in. There is a little battle with Golo who is used to scoring like this.

The impact of Mohammed Salisu

He had the same problem as me last season since he was often bothered by injuries. Today he can continue and he is very impressive physically. He is very strong and is difficult to pass in training.

The match he is waiting for in Rennes

It’s never easy to play there. It’s a team made up of very good players who know how to play football well. But we are also competitive with competition everywhere. This makes us better, the training sessions are harder and the matches are close every time.

Le leadership de Denis Zakaria

First of all, we are lucky to have him because he is a top player on and off the field. The group is young, it accompanies us on a daily basis by talking with everyone. He is there to make the link with the team and the staff. Denis is arguably the most ready player with his career at Juventus or Chelsea. He plays in midfield, so he does the most things in a match.

The selection of Morocco

The choice of Morocco did me a lot of good because it’s complicated to play when there is an important decision to make. It freed my mind. Whether here in Monaco or in Morocco, I have the confidence of the coach and I joined a semi-finalist team in the World Cup, I am very happy with this choice. Playing with this selection brings me another tactical aspect since the game in Africa is different from Europe, my palette is therefore greater.

I was well received by Achraf Hakimi and Nayef Aguerd in particular and I get along well with everyone. Adi Hütter is very different from Walid Regragui, it’s ideal for progress, I’ll take whatever is available. Morocco has incredible supporters, we managed to fill a stadium at the Games. Fighting for this country is incredible.