FC Nantes head coach Antoine Kombouaré has shed light on the fitness struggles of Moses Simon before the Super Eagles winger powered the club to an impressive Ligue 1 victory over AJ Auxerre, Soccernet.ng reports.
Kombouaré, while expressing admiration for Simon’s contributions, also emphasised the need for the Nigerian winger to continually prove his worth each season.
The Nantes boss acknowledged that Simon, a vital component of the squad, had a difficult preseason, casting doubt on his availability for the start of the Ligue 1 campaign.
“We were not far from thinking that he was not going to start the season. He was never able to play all his friendly matches without pain. And then I don't know what happened, but three days before the match he started to feel good,” Kombouaré revealed as per Tribune Nantaise, noting that Simon had been unable to complete any friendly matches without pain.
However, the player made a significant recovery just days before the season opener, which led to his inclusion in the squad.
This return was timely, as Simon played a pivotal role in ending FC Nantes' unwanted record of nine consecutive home defeats.
The Canaries secured a much-needed 2-0 victory against Auxerre, with Simon opening the scoring in the 14th minute.
His blistering run down the left flank resulted in a powerful shot that slipped through the fingers of Auxerre's goalkeeper, Donovan Léon, setting the tone for the rest of the match. Bahereba Guirassy sealed the win with a late second goal in stoppage time.
Kombouaré did not shy away from highlighting Simon's importance to the team, stating,
“You have a team with Simon and without Simon, but he has to prove it again this season. What he did in previous seasons was good, he made himself indispensable at times, he made himself important, but we have to reset the counters to zero.
“He gives strength, and energy to his teammates when he is on the pitch. He knows how to speak out because he is small but he has a lot of character, he does not let people walk all over him.”
Nantes fans will be hoping that Simon can maintain his form and fitness, as the club looks to build on this momentum and avoid the pitfalls of last season's struggles.
