EL SHAARAWY: "WE KNOW WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE"
After getting his first goal of the season in the win over Crotone on Wednesday, Stephan El Shaarawy sat down to discuss the game and his season so far...
How are you doing and how is the team?
"I'm well, it always feels nice when you're winning. In terms of the team, I think we're making progress now. Obviously victories always bring confidence and enthusiasm. It was a good match yesterday, tackled in the right manner and we bagged three points. This side needs to get some consistency in its results. From now on, we'll try to win every game. I think we're on the right track."
Is the coach asking you to play differently compared to last year?
"Yes, what he wants from me tactically is a bit different. When we play with one guy in the hole behind two strikers, he asks me to tuck inside when we're defending. I have to mark their midfielders rather than my opposing full back. I'm required to help out a lot in defence and do both jobs, as well as to focus more on my overall performance than scoring goals."
And nevertheless, there have been goals as well.
"Scoring is important for a forward. I'm happy to have found the net again."
You work very hard for an attacking winger. Do you ever feel like you'd prefer to play more centrally so you don't have to run as much?
"No, running is a big part of my game. I've always gone up and down the wing. I was ready to do this role for the national team as well, to play on the edge of a midfield five and cover the entire flank. I'm more than happy to do it."
We noticed the fact you didn't celebrate after your goal yesterday.
"It was an instinctive reaction. I was angry at myself because I had tried to score in the last two matches but didn't manage to. The goal finally came tonight. My lack of a celebration is nothing major."
You're very demanding and critical with yourself.
"Yes, that's true. I'm very critical and demand a lot from myself. I always try to give everything for myself and the team. I'm happy when I play well, even more so when I score."
There was a moment in yesterday's game when you tried that trick with the sole and heel of your boot. Do you sometimes feel like trying this kind of thing in matches?
"Yes, but it depends on when in the game. You have to be more direct when you need to. The most important thing is to be consistent in your performances, not go missing and always be involved in the contest. This is what Mister is asking of me."
From the outside, it seems you don't understand quite how good you all are.
"We do understand how good we are, partly because the squad hasn't changed much from last season when we showed we were strong and had it in us to compete for the title. However, I'll say it again: we need to be consistent and show better game management during matches. We need to know when to defend, when to keep the ball and when to attack. We're getting better at this, but this is the fundamental aspect. The coach is demanding because he knows how good we are. He pushes us to always give more and is the first to believe in us."
You've got a tough game coming up against Torino.
"It's always been a tough match and a difficult place to go. It depends on us, how we go into the game and the approach we have. I'm sure we'll put in a great performance because we're full of enthusiasm."
In this sense, is it a bonus playing once every three days?
"For me it is. It's important not to stand still. A match every three days is physically taxing but from a psychological point of view it keeps you sharp, and that can be very positive."
When Juan Jesus came on yesterday, there were a few boos but also a chant dedicated to him.
"I believe that having support on your side is fundamental. We expect this from our fans when things aren't going well. It happens that a player can have a few below-par performances, but he's a great player – young and full of promise. He will improve but feeling supported by the crowd is vital. It gives you strength."
(Photo LaPresse)
