Adapting to Success: Malick Fofana’s Journey to Lyon

You can be transferred for 17 million euros and keep a cool head. If the Diablotins play big this Tuesday by traveling to Almeria in Spain, to try to qualify for the future European championship in the category, Malick Fofana has not changed. Even if he changed his daily life by being transferred this winter to Olympique Lyonnais and where he quickly made a strong impression. Despite his 18 years, the former Gant player remained humble. And his adaptation among the people of Rhône, which he tells for the first time, took place at great speed.

Malick, in your head, did you expect to leave Ghent this winter?

“Not really. It happened quickly. I was told that Lyon was interested in me one day before leaving for an internship with Ghent and so I went straight there. I was very happy to join such a club.”

How did your adaptation go?

“It went well. I speak French, so that makes things easier, and I was welcomed.”

Didn’t it put you off that the club was in the red zone when you signed?

“I was really happy that a club of the size of OL wanted me, because it’s a bigger team than Ghent and I knew we were going to come back. I didn’t feel that the locker room was bruised. We progressed quickly and moved up the rankings.”

Did the presence of Gift Orban facilitate your integration?

“I was there before him. It was rather me who helped him (smiles). And Clinton (Mata) made it easier for me.”

There were rumors that Orban surprised the locker room with his behavior. What about it?

“At the beginning, the others had to adapt (laughs). I told them he was a good guy. There, they integrated it. They like him.”

And you, how do you feel in this new environment?

“In the locker room, I am between Maxence Caqueret and Anthony Lopes, the two captains. I have to admit that at first I had a feeling of ‘wow!’ when I found myself among all these big names. But since I speak French, things are going pretty well.”

Compared to Ghent, what impressed you?

“In training, I will say Rayan Cherki. What a talent, technically! When I saw it, I thought it was incredible. It’s the strongest. Left foot, right foot, he is so simple…”

Who surrounded you as soon as you arrived in the locker room?

“Alexandre Lacazette. I learn a lot of things from him, because he talks to us a lot. Before my first start against Rennes, he told me to be comfortable and to have fun.”

From your second meeting, you scored in Bergerac. This made your integration easier.

“This goal did me good. It was very important. We are in the semi-final of the Cup and that is obviously our goal at the end of the season.”

Speaking of goals, are you still following Ghent?

“I watch them regularly. It’s a shame they don’t play in the Champions playoffs. That surprised me a little.”

With Malick Fofana, would Ghent have played them?

“I don’t know (laughs).”

What does Hein Vanhaezebrouck say about your development?

“I haven’t spoken to Hein since my transfer.”

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I haven’t spoken to Hein since my transfer.

What has impressed you the most since your time in Lyon?

“The match against Marseille had an impact on me. The atmosphere, the fans…. What a magnificent atmosphere! I also felt the rivalry in the duels and the intensity.”

Are you under pressure because of the 17 million that Lyon spent on you?

“No way. People talk about it, but I remain humble.”

Pierre Sage, your coach, sometimes placed you as a striker. Didn’t that disturb you?

“This is not new. I have already played in this position at times in Ghent. The most important thing is playing time.”

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2024-03-26 10:27:00
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