September 2, 2009 CSL FIFA.com interview with Reda Agourram of Trois-Rivieres Attak (from FIFA.com)
Agourram firing Attak ammunition(FIFA.com) Wednesday 2 September 2009
With just under three weeks to go before the end of regular season action in the Canadian Soccer League (CSL), Trois-Rivières Attak, the reserve team of the Montreal Impact of the United Soccer Leagues (USL), top the table in the National Division on 26 points, five better than closest rivals Brampton Lions.
In an exclusive interview with FIFA.com, forward Reda Agourram of the Attak shared his perspective on the season thus far and what lies ahead. The 18-year-old striker has turned heads as the leading goalscorer in the CSL at present, with no less than 12 goals in 14 matches, three better than the second most prolific scorer this season: David Guzman of Brampton.
FIFA.com: Congratulations on Attak's position at the top of the table and on qualifying for the CSL playoffs. What accounts for the team's success this season?
Reda Agourram: We put into practice the coach's system and focus our training session on how to play in a block. We support each other and we work as a team.
How would you describe the brand of football that head coach Philippe Eullaffroy envisions for Attak?
Coach Eullaffroy asks us to play with a lot of speed and creativity and to take risks. Depending on who we will play against, we might play more offensively or defensively.
Congratulations also for being the top scorer in the league at this stage. To what do you attribute your success?
I follow my coaches' and team-mates' advice, especially on how to move on the field. I think the reason why I am the number-one scorer as we speak is because of my work ethic, training and perseverance. My team-mates have confidence in me and what helps me a lot is the distribution of the ball and the good passes.
Team-mate Yannick Rome-Gosselin is also among the league leaders in terms of scoring. What has it been like playing with him this year?
Yannick is a quality player with whom it is easy to play. He creates lots of space for me.
What was your favourite goal of the season thus far?
It was against London City. I received a pass from James Louis-Jeune. I controlled the ball and struck a volley from approximately 25 metres into the top corner of the net. It was a nice goal. Our goal this year is to make it to the final and to win, no matter what team we will play against.
What parts of your game do you think need the most improvement?
Finding the open space, and working on my left foot. I would also like to score more goals with my head.
How would you describe being part of Attak, as compared with your previous club Montréal Concordia?
With the Attak, it's organized and structured like a pro team. As the farm club of the Montreal Impact, training sessions are more serious and we have more practices; five a week instead of two or three. You can progress faster and the calibre is higher playing in the CSL. During the games and practices, everything is faster and more physical.
What CSL teams or players have surprised you the most this season?
The team that surprised me the most is Serbian White Eagles, the defending champions. They have a good team, a physical team with experienced players and they are good technically.
Having faced Serbian White Eagles in the 2008 CSL Championship final, what will Attak need to do differently this year to emerge as champions if the team makes it to the finals again?
Our goal this year is to make it to the final and to win, no matter what team we will play against. The team is totally different this year; we have many young players, so it would be difficult to compare from what was done last year.
Attak next face Portugal FC who, despite being the bottom-side in the International Division, recently ended Toronto Croatia's unbeaten streak of 12 games. What can supporters expect in that match on 5 September?
It will certainly be a good game to watch because it will involve two good teams. But if we play like I know we can, we will have positive result.
The CSL is Canada's only professional league and aspires to achieve continued expansion across the nation, while continuing to be an important member of a rapidly developing soccer structure in North America. Trois-Rivières is located in Quebec, Canada, at the confluence of the Saint-Maurice and Saint Lawrence rivers.
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