On the eve of the AC Milan-PSG meeting at San Siro this Tuesday in the Champions League, Parisian striker Randal Kolo Muani spoke at length to the microphone of RMC in the program “Rothen s’igne”. The French international spoke about his arrival at PSG for 90 million euros (75 million 15 bonuses) last summer, his adaptation to his new club, his performances since the start of the season but also about his relationship with the Blues coach Didier Deschamps.
Randal Kolo Muani never doubted. The former Frankfurt player had only one idea in mind, joining the capital club. “I was born here, I grew up here. I’ve done everything here. For me it was an opportunity not to be missed. I gave everything to come. It was a childhood dream that I wanted to realize. And I’m making it happen. It’s just a pride to wear this jersey, especially being French. Before you press: It’s a pleasure to come to campus, to see the crest, to play for Paris Saint-Germain… For me it’s just a dream. I’m making my dream come true. I play to continue working, to play my football, to develop. I just continue to enjoy it.”
Despite this dream, the native of Bondy, like his teammate Kylian Mbappé, experienced difficult first weeks and evokes a certain pressure. “It’s true that the first months were very, very complicated. I wasn’t settled. I was digesting the transfer a little. There are a lot of expectations around me with the amount, a lot of pressure. At the beginning, yes, I had pressure. Kolo Muani also spoke about his transfer for more than 90 million euros. “I know people judge me by that amount. Afterwards, it puts pressure on me because I have to prove that I am worth that amount. You don’t have to worry about that. It’s up to me to play my football, not to worry about people who say: ‘you’re worth so much’.
The former Nantes player (2018-2022) has not yet completely convinced in the capital. But on September 24 against Marseille, Kolo Muani opened his account. A first goal which did him good. “This goal really relieved me, it made me feel good. The one against Milan too. It’s important for a striker to score and have the confidence to have fun on the pitch. Now I’m playing football again and enjoying it again too. It is the most important”.
Placed in 9 with a pivotal role, the 24-year-old answered questions from Jérôme Rothen on this new position. And targets a major area of progression, his work with his back to the game. “When I arrived here, I knew that I was going to change my style of play. I had seen how the coach played. For me, it’s a new challenge, I try to adapt day by day, take advantage of my teammates who do it well too. There’s also a lot of competition up front so I’m trying to learn from everyone, work on my own and get into the coach’s style. My work with my back to the game is an area of progression, clearly. It’s up to me to apply myself. I wasn’t really used to playing in this position in Frankfurt, I was more demanding of the ball in depth. It’s a different style.”
In mid-October, the PSG striker’s performances were (strongly) criticized. Presaging, perhaps, a non-selection. Nope. The Bondy native was able to count on the unwavering support of Blues coach Didier Deschamps on October 16 on the eve of the friendly match against Scotland. Appreciable support and above all appreciated by the person concerned. “It really warmed my heart. It’s up to me to return the favor on the pitch. This is how I can thank him. It’s up to me to work and progress.”
And more generally, explained his relationship with “DD”. “He helped me a lot, we exchange a lot with each selection. He gives me a lot of advice. It allows me to move forward, to continue working. It’s important for me that a coach is so close to his players.”