Interviews

Maupay feels the love

Striker says support from coaches and team-mates has helped him thrive.

By Bruce Talbot • 14 February 2022

By James Boardman
Neal Maupay has nine goals in all competitions so far this season.

Neal Maupay believes he is benefitting from the unstinting backing of his coaches and team-mates after equalling Albion’s Premier League goalscoring record.

The Frenchman drew level with Glenn Murray on 26 top-flight goals after scoring his eighth of the Premier League campaign in Saturday’s 2-0 win at Watford.

It was at Vicarage Road where Maupay got his first in Albion colours during a 3-0 win on the opening day of the 2019-20 campaign.

03:23

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Maupay on matching Murray's record

A lot has happened since then but the 25-year-old, who has also contributed seven assists in 91 Premier League games, feels he has come on leaps and bounds.

“I have been through a lot in my career but I am so happy at the moment because I am fulfilling my dream,” he said.  

“I used to be really self-critical but now I can accept it if I have a bad day, as everyone does, and still feel good.

“The head coach and the staff believe in me and that gives me some much confidence. As an example, at Spurs last week I didn’t feel good and thought I was the worst player on the pitch. But the gaffer said I need you, the team needs you and that’s great for me because it gives me so much confidence.”

02:14

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PL Highlights: Watford 0 Albion 2

Next up for Albion is Tuesday’s visit to Manchester United. Old Trafford would be a fitting stage for Maupay to move ahead of Murray.

“We will go there with the mentality to get something from the game,” he added. “Of course, they have good players but why can’t we get a result? We need to recover from Sunday but it’s great to start a tough week with three points.”