Maghnes Akliouche: "We head to Lyon with plenty of ambition" | OneFootball

Just over 24 hours after being called up to the French national team once again, the Monaco attacking midfielder spoke at a press conference, two days ahead of the clash at Olympique Lyonnais (Sunday, 3 p.m.).

He has just been called up to the French national team. But before rejoining the squad for the March international break, Maghnes Akliouche—who has contributed to eight goals in Ligue 1 this season (5 goals, 3 assists)—will be eager to shine against Olympique Lyonnais, a direct rival for a Champions League spot, this Sunday (3:00 PM). At any rate, that is what he expressed during his press conference.🎙️

Strong defensive performances

I think this was an area where we collectively needed to improve. The foundation of any team is being solid. That starts with the attackers and ends with the defenders. We’ve put in a lot of work in training, and that translated onto the pitch for the full 90 minutes. Naturally, through constant repetition among ourselves, things get better; moreover, playing a steady run of matches allows us to continue making progress.

He is our captain, and he is incredibly important to us! With his physique and speed, he brings us so much—defensively, but offensively as well.

Maghnes AklioucheOn what Denis Zakaria brings to the team

We attackers are asked to do quite a lot—particularly to trigger the press at the right moment, and to close down the passing lanes and the centre of the pitch, which is crucial. Communication is very important, and the defenders talk to us a great deal to guide us.

What Denis Zakaria brings to the team

I know that playing in defense isn’t his preferred position, but he does it very well. He can play in midfield just as effectively as he can further back. He is our captain, and he is incredibly important to us! With his physique and speed, he brings us so much—defensively, but offensively as well. What makes him so versatile is that he is capable of doing both.

The big match against OL

We’re on a good run and we want to keep it going. Olympique Lyonnais is a very good team, especially at home, with a great atmosphere. We know they have a lot of quality, we saw that in the reverse fixture at the Stade Louis-II (1-3). We are heading to Lyon with great ambition to secure a positive result.

On having made his debut against Lyon

It’s a special match for me. I made my debut there, at Groupama Stadium with AS Monaco. Today, I have over 100 Ligue 1 appearances to my name, and I cherish these moments, as I consider myself lucky to make a living from my passion. I take things one step at a time, and I want to maintain this momentum—to make the Club and my loved ones proud.

His being called up for France

Once again, I was incredibly happy and proud—both for myself and for my family! Now, I’m eager to repay that trust on the pitch and give it my all whenever I get the chance. I intend to make the most of this international break to show the very best of what I can do. As for the competition? It’s no secret that there is plenty of it within the French national team. I get along really well with the other players who operate in the same area of ​​the pitch as I do (Rayan Cherki and Michael Olise, Ed.)—both on and off the field. We share the same vision of the game and of football, and it really shows!

His role in the dressing room

Speaking up more? I think I’ve evolved in that area, even if I can still do better. Nowadays, it’s important to be vocal in modern football. I try to improve in this regard every day to help my teammates, both on and off the pitch.