Fred: Legend helped Mak me

Martin Greig • Published 13 Aug 2010 14:00 0 Comments

TON midfielder Fouad Bachirou learned his trade alongside Paris St Germain’s superstars - and hopes to bring some French flair to Cappielow this season.

The former PSG youth trained with big names including Claude Makelele, below, Pauleta, Ludovic Giuly and Mateja Kezman - and has even been nicknamed ‘Makelele’ by teammate Michael Tidser.

And Bachirou, above, has revealed he was lucky enough to learn from the legendary French midfielder’s experience every day in training.

In his first interview since arring in Scotland this summer, he told the Tele: “I trained alongside some great players at PSG, like Claude Makelele, Pauleta and Kezman. There was also Laurent Robert and Jerome Rothen, who used to play for Rangers. I gained so much experience from playing alongside them.

“Makelele has been a big influence. I am similar in size to him and it is my ambition to play like him. I had a great relationship with Laurent Robert as well. Both of them really helped me.

“I came through the academy system at Paris St Germain. I played in the reserves and trained with the first team.

“I was then released because it is not easy for young players to get a chance in the first team. But I am now really happy at Morton. It is a nice family club.

“The players have been great and the fans are very welcoming. There are a lot of good players here.”

Bachirou - who is an injury doubt for tomorrow’s trip to Dunfermline - has fitted in well at Cappielow, where he has slotted into a holding central midfield role with ease. He admits the transition from French to Scottish football has been challenging

He said: “There is a big difference between France and Scottish football. In France, it is all about keeping the ball. The technical part of the game is very big. It’s much more direct over here.

“But the transition has been made easier because Allan Moore wants to play football on the ground. I have been impressed with Michael Tidser. I think we complement each other well. The language barrier is the only issue but I am learning English.”

Bachirou has also been struck by the cultural gap between Paris and his new home in Inverclyde.

He said: “You can’t compare Paris and Greenock! The weather and food are different, everything is different.

“The people here are friendlier. I want to improve myself as a player here and see what happens.”

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This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 13 Aug 10

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