Sometimes, a coach needs to deliver a blunt message. That’s exactly what Paulo Fonseca did, directly calling out Malick Fofana. Speaking at a press conference before Sunday’s 2 PM match against Toulouse, the Portuguese coach made it clear. He expects much more from the 20-year-old Belgian forward. Fonseca stressed that a player’s dedication must start right there, in training.
Fonseca didn’t hold back. He openly stated, “I must say I expect more from Malick. I believe he can do more. He has the skill for it, and he knows I expect more from him.” He hammered home the need for consistency. “A player like Malick needs to be steady. He can’t play one good game and then an average one.” The coach added, “He can and should do more. This all begins in training. He needs to grasp how important this season is for him.”
Then, Fonseca brought up Afonso Moreira as a prime example. “If he thinks otherwise, he isn’t thinking straight.” He highlighted Moreira’s consistent progress. “For a coach, being honest matters most. For me, names aren’t important. What truly counts is performance.” Fonseca acknowledged Fofana’s youth, explaining, “The pressure he feels is actually good. It’s normal for a player with such talent.” He also mentioned, “I’ve spoken with him in recent weeks, and he now understands how crucial this season is for his career.”
Despite being quite young, Malick Fofana is already stepping into his fourth season as a senior player. He spent a season and a half playing for Gent and then Lyon. So far, the young striker has netted 16 goals and provided 6 assists in 70 games for the French club, Lyon. This season could be the turning point he needs to show what he’s truly capable of.