Folarin Balogun: "Very happy to be able to play in the Champions League" | OneFootball

Having scored this weekend in the Centenary match against Montpellier (2-1 victory), the American striker of AS Monaco spoke with the media along with the coach, on the eve of facing Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League.

Like the team, he is currently in form! Scorer of his first two goals of the season in Ligue 1 against Le Havre (3-1) and Montpellier (2-1), each at home, Folarin Balogun is full of confidence. It is therefore with the ambition of showing himself again in his best light in the Champions League against Dinamo Zagreb this Wednesday (9 p.m.), that he spoke at the pre-match press conference. 🎙️

Our team creates a lot of goal-scoring opportunities, and I think we've reached a new level in that regard this season. For a striker, it's great to be able to play with such an offensive style of play.

His current form

I have obviously gained confidence by scoring in our last two league games. And I feel that the team and the coach are also giving me theirs. It is important to seize every opportunity to perform. And tomorrow we have a very important match against Zagreb, so I will try to help my teammates as best I can by playing a good game.

On Dinamo Zagreb

This is a club with a big history and each team which plays in the Champions League is here for a good reason. So we have to respect this team by giving our all.

On the team’s attacking play

Obviously it is a great pleasure to play in this team, given that we are the second-top scorers in Ligue 1 (15 goals, behind PSG at 20, editor’s note). Our team creates a lot of goal-scoring opportunities, and I think we’ve reached a new level in that regard this season. For a striker, it’s great to be able to play with such an offensive style of play.

About his attacking teammates

You have to understand that each match is different, depending on the opponent. Sometimes it is better to be able to play with one striker and sometimes it is better to play with two. It really depends on the type of match. But in the end, I have no preference, I like to play in both systems, and it is also by alternating that we learn the most on a tactical level.

A season of confirmation?

My goal at the start of each season is obviously to do better than the previous one and to progress. It is certain that this year I want even more to settle in and be important for the team, but it is not something that obsesses me. I simply have to do everything to show good things.

Playing in this prestigious competition has been my ultimate goal since the beginning of my career. I am therefore very grateful that AS Monaco is giving me the opportunity to finally play it.

His Champions League debut

Playing in this prestigious competition has been my ultimate goal since the beginning of my career. I am therefore very grateful that AS Monaco is giving me the opportunity to finally play it. It is now up to me to return that faith tomorrow on the pitch, by being patient and waiting for my chance.

About the Croatian players

In my mind, they are players who are really determined on the pitch, they have a very good state of mind and a real sense of teamwork. This is what we expect to see tomorrow against Dinamo. In any case, it will not be an easy match, that’s for sure!