After sealing a move to his native France, the forward has found life in Ligue 1 difficult to adapt to
Randal Kolo Muani, the 25-year-old striker who made the switch to Paris Saint-Germain from Eintracht Frankfurt for a staggering €90M on September 1, has opened up about the challenges he's faced since joining the French giants.
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‘It was my childhood dream to play for PSG’ — World Cup runner-up reveals
France international striker Randal Kolo Muani has revealed that he dreamt about playing for PSG as a child, revelling in his ability to fulfil that dream
Despite a promising tally of eight goals and three assists in 23 matches across all competitions, Kolo Muani's transition to his hometown club has been anything but smooth.
Kolo Muani’s relationship with PSG critics
In a candid interview with Onze Mondial, relayed by L'Équipe, the Parisian native, who hails from Bondy just like Kylian Mbappé, shared his experiences of dealing with criticism and adjusting to life in Luis Enrique’s table-topping side.
"I’ve seen the criticism since my arrival at PSG. Critics make me evolve, it’s good to hear, like advice," Kolo Muani expressed, highlighting his constructive approach to feedback. However, he admitted, "Honestly, I didn’t expect that, I didn’t expect to have such an impact when arriving in Paris."
Kolo Muani's early days at PSG have been marked by a struggle to integrate into the team's dynamics, leading to his limited starts. The forward spoke about the emotional toll the criticism has taken on him, emphasizing the importance of support and self-isolation from negative comments to maintain his mental well-being. "I saw a lot of things happen that affected me at the start," he said, revealing the depth of his initial struggles.
Kolo Muani hoping to improve PSG lot with confidence
Reflecting on his own performance and the expectations placed upon him, Kolo Muani posed a rhetorical question: "If I was a journalist, what question would I ask Randal Kolo Muani?" He then answered, "Are you aware that you haven’t met expectations?" This self-imposed query underscores his awareness of the situation and his determination to improve. "I am giving everything to address the situation," he affirmed, acknowledging the need for confidence to overcome his current difficulties.
The contrast between his time in Germany and his current state in Paris is stark. In Germany, Kolo Muani felt confident and fulfilled, contributing significantly to Frankfurt's success. "Today, I’m happy, but I’m not as happy as I was in Germany," he confessed, pointing out the impact of criticism on his happiness and performance.
Despite the setbacks, Kolo Muani remains positive about his future at PSG. He believes that with happiness and confidence, he can regain his form and contribute more effectively to the team. "I’m a human being, I’m not a wall, I’m not a robot, I have emotions and feelings, but I’m not sad. I’m happy to be a PSG player, but I could be better," he concluded.
Kolo Muani's journey at PSG is a testament to the pressures and challenges of transitioning to a high-profile club, especially in one's hometown. As he continues to adapt and grow within the team, the 'Jordanian Messi' remains a player to watch, with the potential to turn his initial regrets into a triumphant chapter in his career.