Interviews

Maupay: The sort of games you relish

Striker can’t wait for Albion’s return to action.

By Alex Stedman • 14 October 2020

By Bennett Dean
Neal Maupay celebrates scoring against Manchester United at the Amex.

Neal Maupay says Albion are raring to go ahead of this weekend’s trip to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. 

Graham Potter’s side were on the wrong end of a 4-2 scoreline against Everton before the international break, and the French forward believes a weekend free from Premier League action has given the squad time to regroup. 

He said, “We’ve had a bit of a break since our last match and that means we feel fresh and ready for Sunday.

“The team has worked hard on the training field and now the next challenge for us is this weekend, against Crystal Palace, which is a big game for the fans. I had the chance to sample it last season and it was an amazing memory for me. 

“We want to get the three points for everyone at the football club - as a player these are the sort of matches you work hard for.”

Maupay has netted four goals in as many matches so far this season, but he insists those statistics would hold more significance if Albion had picked up more points than their current tally of three from four matches. 

“I’ve started the season well with goals and assists, which is good for my confidence, but I’m part of the team and my goals don’t mean anything if we don’t win. 

“Now I want to score some winning goals to help the team get some points. 

“The whole team believes in our ideas and what the manager wants from us. We feel that if we can execute that on the pitch then we’ll be successful.”

Albion achieved a new record points tally in the Premier League last term and Maupay says that the team are heading in the right direction as the club’s second season under Graham Potter begins to take shape. 

“Sometimes it just takes time, this league is so tough. The emphasis is on points and results in this division and we’re confident those will come. 

“It’s good to be involved in a process where there’s a clear direction, it gives you something to work towards each day. 

“It has been a bit tough for us so far this season, we’ve faced some really good sides. But I feel that everything we do as a team is good and we’re improving all the time. We’re on the right track.”