Maghnes Akliouche: "I was very proud to learn of my call-up" | OneFootball

Two days after his first call-up to the French national team, Maghnes Akliouche appeared before the media to discuss the visit of Strasbourg this Sunday (5:15 p.m.) as part of the 3rd round of the Ligue 1 season.

In search of a win against Strasbourg before flying to Clairefontaine. Called up for the first time by Didier Deschamps for the September break, Maghnes Akliouche is ready to become the 73rd Monégasque to play for France. Before joining his fellow Bleus, the attacking midfielder spoke to the media to discuss a visit from RC Strasbourg this Sunday at the Stade Louis-II. 🎙️

On his call-up for Les Bleus

It was a wonderful surprise for my loved ones and me, especially since I watched the list announcement live on television. I felt incredibly proud because I had worked hard to achieve this goal. Today, receiving this award is an honor, and I’m thrilled (smiles)!

This is a new step in my young career, but it’s only the beginning. Now, I need to confirm my skills on the pitch, and that will require discipline and consistency in my performances, while raising my level of play with each match.

Choosing France

I have always trained with the French national teams: in the youth teams, the Espoirs and more recently at the Olympic Games. It was a logical next step to continue with Les Bleus and I am honored to be among the players called up by Didier Deschamps this international break.

His Memories of the French National Team

Les Bleus have a great history behind them, and some great players have played for them. Obviously, the 2018 World Cup victory remains one of my best memories, especially since I was old enough to closely follow the French team’s performances. I’m aware of the importance of this national team, and I’m eager to take my first steps in the French jersey. I’ve also discussed this with  Thierry Henry and Paul Pogba, who both congratulated me. They were very happy for me.

Room for improvement?

I have to be more lethal and decisive in front of goal, whether it’s scoring or providing an assist. I know I can be even more effective in the final third, I have to be able to help my teammates and that obviously requires good statistics. I was decisive several times in preseason, notably against Inter Milan, and I also scored against Le Havre on the first day of the league season. I want to continue on this path in the future.

Heading has never been my strongest skill, but I’m trying to work on it in training. Now I’m aware of the importance of having a complete profile in top-level football. I need to continue my development and make sure I’m more decisive in this area.

Coach Hütter was very valuable in this regard, as from the moment he arrived, he placed great trust in me, which greatly helped my progress and my play. Generally speaking, AS Monaco is a club that shows patience with young players to ensure their proper development

His preferred position

I really enjoy playing behind the striker, in a number 10 role. No matter where the coach decides to play me, I always try to make myself available to my teammates and give the best of myself on the pitch.

Adi Hütter’s role in his early career

I never gave up and I always have to continue working patiently before playing my first professional minutes. Coach Hütter was very valuable in this regard, as from the moment he arrived, he placed great trust in me, which greatly helped my progress and my play. Generally speaking, AS Monaco is a club that shows patience with young players to ensure their proper development. Today, I am very happy to be able to play with the Rouge et Blanc.