Speaking ahead of AS Monaco’s Coupe de France fixture against Rodez, Folarin Balogun (22) reacted to the Principality club’s recent downturn in form, as well as his lack of success in front of goal in recent games.
What has been the response to last weekend’s defeat to Reims?
The coach said after the defeat that we have to improve collectively. He said there was a lack of intensity and the team agreed. He told us that the game was finished, and we had to prepare for the next game and make the necessary adjustments for the upcoming game.
How do you explain the difference in performance between the victory over Lens and the defeat to Reims?
I think playing away to Lens was a game that was an occasion, we looked to attack and be aggressive from the beginning. The intensity was there, the crowd helped with this. I don’t think it was something done on purpose; I don’t think we approached the Reims game with any less concentration, but clearly, as you could see, the intensity wasn’t there. This made life difficult for us. Reims are a good, clinical team and so we were chasing the game, but it was already out of our hands.
Have lessons been learnt from the defeat?
I think with every defeat, there is an opportunity to learn. There is obviously a clear lesson. We took those lessons from the defeat against Reims and put them into our training week. The intensity in the last two days of training has been very high. The coach has demanded more of us. This is sometimes what is needed to remind you of the level that you’re capable of reaching.
How are you feeling during what is by your own high standards a goal drought (one goal in the last 11 matches in all competitions)?
For me, as an attacker, it is not a good thing. It makes things more complicated for you. For me, this period of not scoring as much is about playing simply and helping the team in different ways. I understand the quality that I have, and it isn’t something that is making me doubt myself.
How are you working to get back to your best level?
It is about remaining calm. I’m sure won’t go the rest of my career without scoring! It’s not something I’m focusing on. I’ll get my chance to score sooner rather than later and I’m sure the rhythm will then continue. I’ve seen it happen to other top players in their careers so it’s not a shock. It’s a great opportunity for me to learn how to handle myself in moments like this and I’m sure it’ll make me stronger.
Could your lack of goals recently be explained by stylistic differences between Monaco and Reims?
I can’t see anything that is blatantly different in terms of style of play. Here in Monaco, we look to dominate more and build possession-based attacks. That’s obviously new. With Monaco being one of the best teams in the division, teams come in with the mindset to not lose, so maybe they set up differently and have more packed defences. Naturally, that’s a different challenge.
How are you dealing with the competition with Wissam Ben Yedder, who has featured more prominently in recent weeks?
I live in reality. I feel like Wissam gets chances, I get chances. I try to remain humble and to earn from him because he is still a fantastic player and everyone can see that. For me, it’s all about improving and remaining as I am, not being absorbed by this and letting it affect me.
