Folarin Balogun: "It will be a difficult match against a very physical team."

Before heading to Normandy to face Le Havre on Saturday at the Stade Océane for the 19th matchday of Ligue 1 McDonald’s (7 PM), the American striker spoke to the media.

He has scored eight goals and provided three assists in all competitions — Folarin Balogun has been the most decisive Monaco player this season. On the eve of the trip to Le Havre for the 19th matchday of Ligue 1 McDonald’s (kick-off 7 PM), the American striker spoke at a press conference to discuss the importance of this crucial match.🎙️

On Le Havre

They are a difficult team to play against, and I have a lot of respect for them because they’re having a good season. It’s going to be a tough match against a very physical team. No match in Ligue 1 is easy, and we know we have to put in a strong performance to win as we did in the reverse fixture (3-1).

The team’s meeting after facing Madrid

This was an opportunity for us to speak openly and try to find solutions within the group regarding how we’re feeling right now. It was a positive discussion where we were able to communicate effectively, listen to each other’s perspectives, and understand that we’re doing this for the benefit of the team in order to try and turn things around.

This is my third year here, and I'm familiar with the league, as this is also my fourth year in France. Naturally, now is the time for me to step up and take on more responsibility.

Team cohesion

We have many experienced players who are able to share their wisdom and offer advice. This is something that helps us stay united and together. This is my third year here, and I’m familiar with the league, as this is also my fourth year in France. Naturally, now is the time for me to step up and take on more responsibility.

The team’s mindset

As players, we need to focus on having the right mindset and on what we can do better on the pitch, while also looking at ourselves and holding ourselves accountable. From my perspective, I want to improve this confidence, not only for myself but also for my teammates. We need to fight and stick together because that’s what will help us turn things around.

We need to simplify our game, and I'm confident that we can turn things around. I'm really looking forward to the match against Le Havre.

Folarin BalogunOn the current situation

Of course I think we can change things. The most important thing is to focus on the next match. We could easily sit here and keep thinking about the Real Madrid game, but that won’t help us. We need to simplify our game, and I’m confident that we can turn things around. I’m really looking forward to the match against Le Havre.

The team’s collective level

If the team isn’t performing at its best, the most important thing is to understand why and try to help wherever I can, which is exactly what we discussed in our team meeting. This isn’t the time to blame anyone; we need to come together and function as a team. Personally, I’m focused on effectiveness. That’s also what I’m judged on as a forward: goals, assists, and generally creating opportunities for my teammates. That’s what I need to concentrate on right now.

The pressure to perform

Yes, the pressure is there. We can say whatever we want, but ultimately, we’re judged on results, and we know that we need to get results in the upcoming matches. There’s no point in hiding, and nobody is hiding; everyone has accepted this. We know the challenges that lie ahead, and we know what we have to do. Right now, any defeat is equally painful; it makes no difference.

He's asking me to lead the attack, create chances, and score goals, and those are the kinds of things I work on in training with Kevin Mirallas, like today, for example, to try and improve things. As I said, I think everyone needs to look at themselves and demand more of themselves. If everyone does that, I believe we have the quality to turn things around.

Folarin Balogun On what the coach is asking for

What the coach has asked for

He’s asking me to lead the attack, create chances, and score goals, and those are the kinds of things I work on in training with Kevin Mirallas, like today, for example, to try and improve things. As I said, I think everyone needs to look at themselves and demand more of themselves. If everyone does that, I believe we have the quality to turn things around.

His relationship with Kevin Mirallas

We immediately had a good relationship, Kevin and I. He talked to me, tried to connect with me, and helped me improve, and I really appreciated that. As a forward, you can truly value that. I think I’m a very approachable and easy person to work with, so when he came in with that mindset, it was very easy for me. He gives me confidence every day, he talks to me, and the most important thing for a forward is to focus on the next opportunity. It’s a young coaching staff, and the team is young too, so I think they’re able to connect and communicate with us in a way that we respond well to.

(On his memories of Kevin Mirallas) I’ve seen a few clips of him playing and I remember his career. He’s a humble guy; he doesn’t come across as someone who was a big Premier League player, just a normal person. He’s a really genuine person. I think he’s able to give more specific advice because he understands the game better. I just remember him playing on the left wing, capable of scoring seven to ten goals a season, and showing up in big moments. He has a lot of qualities, and you can see in training that he still has that magic touch.

The World Cup in the United States is approaching, and I can't wait because it's going to be a really exciting time. I've always said that the most important thing is the form you're in when you arrive at the World Cup. Obviously, here at AS Monaco, I have to focus on my performance on the pitch, which will also help me go into that competition in better shape.

On the 2026 World Cup

When I made the decision to play for the United States, almost three years ago now, I knew this was going to happen. The World Cup in the United States is approaching, and I can’t wait because it’s going to be a really exciting time. I’ve always said that the most important thing is the form you’re in when you arrive at the World Cup. Obviously, here at AS Monaco, I have to focus on my performance on the pitch, which will also help me go into that competition in better shape.

Growing up, I watched the World Cup on TV, and it had the same magical effect. My friends and family and I would debate, for example, who was going to win. I think this competition is an incredible event, but it’s not just the event itself, it’s also summer, and that makes it memorable for so many people!