-
Jeff Carlisle
Forward Folarin Balogun, representing AS Monaco and the United States men’s national team, expressed his enthusiasm to make a strong impression on the USMNT coaching staff during his initial national team gathering in the span of a year.
Balogun, aged 24, encountered physical setbacks over the preceding year, notably a shoulder problem that necessitated surgical intervention.
Consequently, he had yet to participate in a match under the guidance of U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino. However, with forthcoming matches against South Korea on Saturday, followed by another against Japan three days afterward, he is keen to showcase his abilities to Pochettino. The approaching World Cup in the next year is also a significant consideration for him.
“I believe with Mauricio’s arrival, the intention was evident: to advance the group’s progress,” Balogun conveyed in a conference call with journalists. “Thus, as players, we aren’t surprised to be vying for spots and roles. I think it’s something we’ve done throughout our careers, and everyone aspires to leave a positive mark, which I believe is only natural. With [the World Cup] being such a major competition arriving in 10 months, making an impression is vital.”
Balogun had additionally been managing a recent calf injury, but he had sufficiently recuperated to secure his first goal of the season for Monaco in the 3-2 triumph over Strasbourg last Sunday.
He now expresses feeling entirely fit and mentally sound, attributing this to the welcoming environment fostered by Pochettino and his staff.
“I’m feeling well. The injuries are behind me, and indeed, it was a demanding period, but I think every athlete encounters such phases at some juncture,” he remarked. “And indeed, initial impressions of Mauricio and his staff have been exceedingly positive for me. They’ve embraced me, made me feel welcome, and the feedback I’ve received from other players and such indicates that they are great people, and everyone is pleased to have them here, so everything is positive.”
Balogun acknowledged the existence of a balancing act when participating in a USMNT camp after a prolonged absence. The aspiration to impress must be tempered with refraining from excessive contemplation.
“I believe it’s essential to leave an impression, but yes, of course, part of the psychology involves not overdoing it because things can become more complex,” Balogun stated. “Sometimes, the harder you try, the more challenging it becomes. When I wasn’t being summoned to camp, I recognized that my priority was to be in good health.
“I mean, you can’t achieve much if you’re not on the field. But yes, overall, I do believe that I’m now in good shape and in a positive state. And yes, it’s something I’ve been doing throughout my career, competing for my position and striving to join teams. So I believe that a balance arises more naturally for me.”
The matter of fostering rapport with players, some of whom he has never previously encountered, also arises. However, Balogun anticipates that establishing chemistry won’t take an extended period.
“I believe everyone’s participating in football at a high level as athletes and as footballers,” he commented. “Especially as attackers, it’s our responsibility to seek creativity and to identify various strategies for dismantling defenses. So certainly, I don’t anticipate it taking too long, and I’m eager to play alongside everyone.”
