Mamadou Coulibaly: "I'm just trying to enjoy myself and have fun." | OneFootball

Having scored his first professional goal against Nantes, the young Monegasque midfielder, trained at the Academy, was in front of the media on the eve of meeting Paris FC (Saturday, 7pm).

He experienced one of the first major moments of his career. Scoring the opening goal in the thrilling 5-3 victory in Nantes, Mamadou Coulibaly opened his professional account in his 13th Ligue 1 match. The young midfielder, a product of the Academy, reflected on this significant moment in a press conference on the eve of the match against Paris FC (Saturday, 7 p.m.). 🎙️

His good individual form

I’m happy with my good form and I’m living in the moment. I’m not thinking too much about what’s going on around me; I’m just trying to enjoy myself and have fun because I’ve come a long way with my knee injury. However, I’m not too surprised because I’ve been working hard for several years now; it’s a natural progression and a just reward.

I’ve shown that enough every day for the coach to be able to put me on the field now. I’m not afraid of anything; it’s both a strength and a weakness, but I’m using it quite well at the moment.

Nantes is a special team for me. I got injured against them, I made my comeback against them, and now I've just scored my first professional goal. A bit like in my match against Manchester City, I didn't really feel any emotions at the time. I was more focused on the team and getting the win.

His goal against Nantes

Nantes is a special team for me. I got injured against them, I made my comeback against them, and now I’ve just scored my first professional goal. A bit like in my match against Manchester City, I didn’t really feel any emotions at the time. I was more focused on the team and getting the win.

It was mainly by watching the match and reviewing certain plays that I understood one of my objectives had been achieved and that I needed to keep going like this. Most of the people from my generation at the training center sent me messages to congratulate me.

His performance against Toulouse

This match against Toulouse FC is part of my progression and learning process because it’s the first time in my career that I’ve had to play so many matches in such a short period. I’m still a young player; I’m learning and gaining experience from the staff and the players.

Paul Pogba’s setback

It hurts us because he’s a key part of the squad. So, we’re obviously disappointed when a player gets injured, and everyone went to comfort him because we’re a family. However, we have to stay focused on what we need to do, with or without him. We’re all behind Paul and we hope he’ll be back soon.

(A big brother role with the younger players?) We have a good relationship because he’s someone I’ve talked to a lot. When I started playing, he gave me advice about football, life outside of it, and how to approach things. He’s really like a big brother to us, and we’re happy to have him. He’s coming back from a long layoff, but he’s still doing exceptional things.

His integration into the team

It’s been over a year and a half since I joined the professional squad. Initially, it was more of a learning phase before I got injured. This season, I wanted to be determined and eager to showcase my abilities to prove I could earn my place on the team, while also playing as many minutes as possible. (His room for improvement) There’s still a lot I need to accomplish. Right now, I need to be more consistent and reliable throughout an entire match.

I would say mainly on the tactical side. For example, he helped me improve certain movements and positioning, which allow me to both defend without having to sprint 40 meters and to attack when I have the ball. My physique is also one of my strengths. When I step onto the pitch, I try to use it to unsettle the opponent.

Mamadou CoulibalyRegarding the areas where he has made progress

The coach’s instructions

It’s quite simple. I’m a young player, and he told me to get as many minutes as possible and enjoy myself when I get them, while also being consistent. The coach didn’t elaborate much further on his instructions because when he arrived, we didn’t really have time for more in-depth explanations. But the main takeaway is that he wants to see consistency.

Areas where he’s improved

I would say mainly on the tactical side. For example, he helped me improve certain movements and positioning, which allow me to both defend without having to sprint 40 meters and to make runs forward when I have the ball. My physique is also one of my strengths. When I step onto the pitch, I try to use it to unsettle the opponent.

The staff’s investment in training

This generates a lot of emotion for us because it reminds us that we’re not alone in this work. We’re surrounded by several people every day who help us be professional. Seeing these former professional players perform these exercises gives us pleasure and allows us to learn faster.

He's someone I really appreciate. We see each other every day, both on and off the field. We talk, we explain things, and even if we sometimes have misunderstandings, he's still someone I value. That's why communication is quite fluid and goes well.

His relationship on the pitch with  Jordan Teze

We also have a good relationship off the field; he’s someone I really appreciate. We see each other every day, both on and off the field. We talk, we explain things, and even if we sometimes have misunderstandings, he’s still someone I value. That’s why communication is quite fluid and goes well. Sometimes we tease each other, saying that we weren’t expected to play together at the start of the season. Now we are, and it’s up to us to make the most of it.

On Paris FC

This is a newly promoted team that must be taken very seriously, like all the teams in the league. We will have to redouble our efforts because we are on a positive run, so we must continue what we are doing and not let up.