Former Paris Saint-Germain prospect Adil Aouchiche left the club earlier this year to sign with Ligue 1 side AS Saint-Etienne. Aouchiche’s contract had expired and rather than aiming to stay with the club, he decided that it was best for him to move on. He did have the option to stay, but the midfielder believed he needed to make this move in order to progress his career.
Aouchiche is well appreciative of the time that he spent in PSG’s youth system. He learned from many of the coaches there, including now-former PSG U19 coach Thiago Motta. Aouchiche worked closely with Motta and learned much from the experienced midfielder. He spoke further to AS Saint-Etienne’s official website about what he cherishes most from his time with PSG.
“Tactical work,” Aouchiche said. “Instinct is gaining importance, but so does game intelligence.
“Thiago Motta, who coached me in U19, taught me a lot and passed on his knowledge. He made me evolve in all the positions of the midfield: sentry, torchbearer, number 10. The objective was for me to understand the full range that a player who evolves in my position must have. I must admit that I was not convinced at the beginning, because I had to put aside the statistics.”
So far, Aouchiche is enjoying the stint with his new club.
“Already, I am happy with my integration,” Aouchiche said. “It only lasted a few days. From the first practice, I had spoken with almost everyone. The feeling passes naturally with the entire locker room and everyone pulls in the same direction. From a sporting point of view, I am gaining momentum.”
Aouchiche has appeared in all of his side’s fixtures this season. The midfielder has recorded one goal and one assist so far over the ongoing Ligue 1 campaign. He is set to feature in key upcoming season-defining fixtures for the club, such as with the contests against OGC Nice and Olympique Lyonnais.
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