Nice manager Olivier Pantaloni has revealed how his coaching staff communicates with Egyptian defender Mohamed Abdelmonem despite the player’s difficulties with the French language.
Pantaloni believes Abdelmonem needs more time to adapt to the team and regain his full physical condition after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The Egyptian defender has gradually returned to action this season after missing most of the previous campaign because of a cruciate ligament injury.
How Does Pantaloni Communicate With Abdelmonem?
Pantaloni explained that the language barrier is one of the challenges Abdelmonem is currently facing, which is why the club is helping him learn football-related terminology.
A member of the club is expected to stay close to the defender and help him understand the terminology and instructions required during training sessions and matches.
Pantaloni also revealed that he sometimes speaks to Abdelmonem in English, despite finding the language difficult himself, because it allows him to communicate important information to the player.
Arabic Speakers Help Abdelmonem at Nice
The Nice manager also explained that several Arabic-speaking people at the club help translate his instructions for Abdelmonem.
This support is particularly important for a central defender, where communication with teammates is essential to maintaining defensive organization.
Pantaloni believes overcoming the language barrier will help Abdelmonem understand the tactical details more quickly and integrate further into the team.
Pantaloni Praises Abdelmonem’s Potential
Despite the communication difficulties, Pantaloni is highly impressed by Abdelmonem’s technical and physical qualities.
The Nice manager described him as a strong and solid defender from a tactical perspective, while also praising his communication with teammates.
Pantaloni believes the Egyptian international can develop even further once he has enough time to adapt and regain his full fitness.
Listening Is One of Abdelmonem’s Strengths
Pantaloni also highlighted Abdelmonem’s ability to listen and respond to instructions.
The coach regularly discusses areas of improvement with the defender, but he believes the most important factor is that Abdelmonem already possesses the fundamentals required for his position.
His willingness to listen and follow instructions should help him continue developing and become more integrated into the team.
Abdelmonem’s Injury Affected His Nice Career
Pantaloni also discussed the serious injury suffered by Mohamed Abdelmonem, explaining that it had a major impact on his career at Nice and kept him out for most of the previous season.
The Egyptian defender missed the previous campaign almost entirely because of a cruciate ligament injury before gradually returning to action this season.
Abdelmonem has made three appearances for Nice this season and completed 90 minutes against Le Mans, marking his first full match since returning from injury.
Pantaloni Calls for Patience
The Nice manager believes Abdelmonem needs time to reach his best physical and technical level.
He also stressed the importance of the defender listening to his body and informing the coaching staff whenever he feels any discomfort so the club can manage his recovery properly.
Pantaloni wants Abdelmonem to continue improving his physical condition so that he can regularly complete full matches.
Abdelmonem Remains Important to Nice
Despite needing more time, Abdelmonem remains part of Pantaloni’s defensive plans and is viewed as a player capable of making an important contribution.
The manager’s comments underline the confidence Nice has in the Egyptian defender during his return from injury and adaptation to a new tactical environment and language.
With more match time, Abdelmonem will have the opportunity to regain his previous level and establish himself more firmly in the Nice defense.
How does Nice communicate with Mohamed Abdelmonem?
Pantaloni sometimes speaks to him in English, while Arabic-speaking members of the club help translate instructions.
Is the language barrier a problem for Abdelmonem?
Yes. His limited French remains a challenge, but Nice is helping him learn football terminology.
What does Pantaloni think of Abdelmonem?
He praised his technical and physical qualities and described him as a strong defender who is important to his defensive system.
Why did Abdelmonem miss last season?
He missed most of the previous season because of a cruciate ligament injury.
Has Abdelmonem returned to action?
Yes. He has made three appearances this season, including a full 90-minute performance against Le Mans.
