Akliouche scores first PSG goal and impresses Luis Enrique

Maghnes Akliouche opened his goal tally for Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday evening at Parc des Princes, during the 3-1 victory against Le Mans in the Coupe de France. The former AS Monaco player, starting in the absence of Ousmane Dembélé who was rested, finished the match with a strike at the near post in the 68th minute.

Luis Enrique made no attempt to hide his enthusiasm in the press conference. “For me, Maghnes was the best player or among the best in this match,” said the Spanish manager. “I love everything about Maghnes Akliouche. Everything. The way he plays as a number 9, the way he plays as a winger, the way he plays as a midfielder, his technical ability, his physical qualities. I am surprised by what I see. It’s a pleasant surprise for us and I am very happy to have him.”

Akliouche alternated during the match between the central attacking role and the right flank, his most natural position. In the mixed zone, the player acknowledged the importance of this first goal in his progression: “When you’re a new player and you score, it always feels good. It’s only positive and good for me.”

His start to the season had been quiet, which led to him being left out of Zinédine Zidane’s initial France squad. But Warren Zaïre-Emery’s injury opened the door to the group, and he was ultimately started twice against Belgium, delivering convincing performances.

“It’s great to be coached by Zidane with France and by Luis Enrique at PSG,” Akliouche said. “It’s something special.” The simultaneous confidence of two managers of this calibre points to a clearly upward trajectory for the French international, who arrives in top form ahead of PSG’s clash against Manchester City in the Ligue des Champions.