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Sacko: ”Attracted by the philosophy”
New Aiglon, Ihsan Sacko was officially presented on Monday at OGC Nice’s training ground. In front of the press, the young forward (20 years old) explained his choice to join the Gym, after two and a half seasons with RC Strasbourg, where he picked up two titles (the National and then Ligue 2). Smiley and determined, the man from Alfortville (94) hopes to continue his progression in an environment that is conducive to allowing youngsters to thrive.
Ihsan, can you tell us why you chose the Gym?
It was an opportunity for me. I will be able to improve, to work in the best conditions and to get to the next level. I knew that the club had been following me for a couple of years, that became more concrete this winter. The philosophy and the project, which consists of trusting youngsters, attracted me.
What image did you have of Nice before coming here?
Of a club that plays with the ball, that has been evolving over the last 5-6 years and that has stars like Balotelli and Dante on the books. I spoke to Stéphane Bahoken too (his former teammate at Strasbourg, who came through the ranks at OGC Nice, Editor’s note). He mainly described the old structure of the club: I was able to see that this new training ground is another level again. And I know that the Nice fans are like those in Strasbourg, fully behind the players during matches and training.
Could you describe your style of play?
It is based on impact, on speed. I still need to work on playing with my back to play, to develop physically to be able to keep the ball better and to resist the challenges from defenders.
What are your hopes?
My demanding nature tells me to work harder than others to accumulate confidence. When a youngster is bought, it’s down to him to do the work to be able to get into the plans.
JEAN-PIERRE RIVÈRE: “WE ARE LOOKING TO THE FUTURE”
We are very happy to welcome Ihsan. He makes up part of the club’s project, based on youngsters. Our scouting team works by watching youngsters, sometimes over many years, to make a decision on their progression and to evaluate their ability. The fact that we have signed Ihsan, shows that we feel that he has the potential to grow with us, with the coach and his assistants. When you’re young, you need to work a lot, and we realise that our youngsters progress one after the other. Some have more game time than others, it depends on the growth and progress of each player. It’s important for us to be able to count on a squad of players with real potential. Then, it’s down to them to express it and to the coach and his staff to help them progress as much as possible. Even though we never communicate the length of the contracts, when we sign youngsters, it is always on long term deals. That gives them the time to get used to a new club, a new style of play and to better progress. We are looking to the future.”