Paris FC manager, Antoine Kombouaré, has revealed details of his conversation with Moses Simon, emphasizing the need for the winger to deliver more decisive performances for the team.
Simon, who joined Paris FC from FC Nantes during the summer transfer window, endured a difficult run of form prior to the arrival of Kombouaré — a coach he previously worked with at Nantes.
The Nigeria international has gone 12 consecutive league matches without registering a goal or an assist as Paris FC continue their fight to maintain their place in the Ligue 1.
However, speaking ahead of the team’s clash against Le Havre AC, Kombouaré admitted that Simon has shown signs of improvement in recent weeks compared to the level he displayed when the manager first arrived at the club.
“Between today and the player I saw three weeks ago when I arrived. Moses has regained his confidence, he has the legs, he’s capable of repeating efforts,” he was quoted as saying by Tribunenantaise.
Despite the improvement, the French tactician stressed that Simon must translate his work rate into tangible output in front of goal.
According to Kombouaré, the expectation is for the Nigerian international to either create scoring opportunities or find the back of the net himself.
“Now he needs to be effective, to be able to create goals or score goals himself, that’s what we expect from him,” he added.
Kombouaré also disclosed that he was blunt in his assessment of Simon’s earlier displays, telling the winger that his performances had been below the required standard.
The coach explained that while he listened to Simon’s explanations about adapting to a new environment and issues related to confidence, he reminded the player of his personal responsibility to perform.
“I simply told him that his performances were unacceptable. I listened when he talked about adapting to Nantes, perhaps about the coach’s confidence, but I replied: “You can say what you want, but you play first and foremost for yourself, for your family,” Kombouaré said.
Kombouaré emphasized that Simon needs to repay the trust placed in him by the club’s management by becoming a pivotal member of the team.
“You have demonstrated your ability to deliver impressive performances, the management has expressed significant confidence in you, thus it is essential for you to be a vital part of the squad,” he concluded.
So far, Simon’s inaugural season with Paris FC has been disappointing, as the 30-year-old has managed only three goals and two assists across 23 league matches.
