George Ilenikhena: "My injury helped me come back stronger" | OneFootball

Scorer of three goals in his last three appearances for the Rouge et Blanc, the young Monegasque striker spoke with the media two days before a visit from Stade de Reims to the Principality (8:45 p.m.).

He has made  a spectacular return to the pitch. He scored twice in the big victory against Nantes (7-1) to mark his comeback in Ligue 1, and George Ilenikhena was also decisive off the bench against Benfica in the Champions League. So before moving on to host Stade de Reims this Friday in the league  (kick-off 8:45 p.m.), the striker spoke at a press conference.  🎙️

His return to competition

As a striker, it’s always important to score, especially when you’re coming back from injury. And I think that deep down it did me good and helped me a lot to come back stronger on the pitch. This period also allowed me to work on the points on which I need to improve and to come back with a lot of freshness. I needed it, and I’m very happy to be back, so I’m going to try to continue like this.

This is going to be a very important match against a good Reims team that plays well with the ball and has good individual players. So we expect a good opponent and we have been preparing for this with the squad since the beginning of the week to approach it well.

I worked on my physical skills in particular, because in my position you need to repeat your runs and be technically strong with your first touch of the ball. Since I arrived I have also gained muscle mass, so I feel that I am more resistant in duels against strong defenders.

An important match against Reims

This is going to be a very important match against a good Reims team that plays well with the ball and has good individual players. So we expect a good opponent and we have been preparing for this with the squad since the beginning of the week to approach it well. Pressure? No, we are working calmly, we know what we have to do.

The team’s offensive style of play

I like it of course, because I am a striker who likes this forward-thinking philosophy. It is a way of playing that suits me very well. Then the first defenders of the team are the strikers, so it is also up to us to start the defensive work that helps our back line. We try to help our defenders so that they do not get into difficulty.

His role at the end of the season

I’m here, I’m working, and no matter how much playing time the coach gives me, I’ll always be ready to come on during the game or start matches. I want to be there to help the team when they need me by giving my all and showing my qualities. Super sub? For now, I’m playing this role as I’m coming back from injury, and I feel good. And when the coach needs me to start a match, I’ll be there.

At first, I was obviously very happy to make my return, because it was important for me to come back well after my injury to show my teammates that I was ready to help them. So I felt great joy on the two goals!

His double against Nantes

At first, I was obviously very happy to make my return, because it was important for me to come back well after my injury to show my teammates that I was ready to help them. So I felt great joy on the two goals, especially on the action where I played a one-two with  Denis (Zakaria) who played in Caio (Henrique) for a first-time cross with a header at the near post.

Room for improvement?

I think I need to improve in the areas where I sometimes shoot, to find the spaces more. But then a goal is still a goal, so even if the goalkeeper touches the ball, I’m happy to have put it in (smiles). I need to continue working to confirm my progress.

His partners in attack

Breel (Embolo) is an experienced striker, and I’ve learned a lot from him. Mika (Biereth) is also a quality centre forward with another apporach, so I take inspiration from both. What would I like to borrow from them? I would say that Breel’s play with his back to goal in terms of keeping the ball and drawing the opposing defenders to open up spaces for others and draw out the defensive block helps the team a lot.

I've learned a lot since arriving at AS Monaco,and once again my injury was beneficial, because it was the first time for me. Even mentally I feel stronger, fresher.

As for Mika, I would say his positioning on the field is always great. I was lucky to have played with both of them, and I find that we complement each other a lot, because we move well together, so things are going very well.

His first season

I’ve learned a lot since arriving at AS Monaco,and once again my injury was beneficial, because it was the first time for me. Even mentally I feel stronger, fresher. As a young player, it is certain that I need to have playing time and score goals, but I think I will have the opportunity to do it, the season is not over yet!