In what was his first start of the season, Jean-Victor Makengo allowed the Gym to take home the three points from their trip to Nantes on Tuesday (2-1).

“I know that Racine (Coly) loves to cross to the near post, I saw the space and so I tried to cut across the trajectory. It worked well.” commented the midfielder who celebrated his 20th birthday last June. “I am happy but I was mainly helped by the team. And the coach put his confidence in me and gave me the chance to play, continued the former Caennais. I thank him and all of my teammates.” 

“Lucien Favre taught me a lot”  

This was the midfielder’s first goal in  Ligue 1: “It’s the logical step. Last year, I didn’t play a lot (5 matches in L1). Lucien Favre is a very good coach and he taught me a lot. I am therefore trying to put into place the advice he gave me with coach Vieira“, who started him behind the forwards at the Beaujoire.

On the left, the average position of the Aiglons when touching the ball against Nantes (Makengo wears number 27). On the right, the number of balls per player (source : STATS).

“The coach allowed me to create”

“He asks me to play simply when I have my back to play and to break the lines when I am facing it, explained the U20 international. They don’t give me many restrictions. They allow me to create and I am happy to have his confidence.”

“To play those who deserve it”

“He was very good” commented the Nice coach. “He needs to play and to find rhythm. It’s difficult to be good after a while without playing. Congratulations to him, it shows that he has worked well in recent weeks. It’s good because it will put pressure on other players. My role is also to play those players who deserve it.” 

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