Salomon Kalou: “I Want to Play as a Striker, Not on the Wing”
Despite being reduced to a substitute role under new Ivory Coast coach Hervé Renard, Salomon Kalou made a strong impact in the 4th round of the 2015 AFCON qualifiers against DR Congo, scoring twice after coming off the bench — though the Elephants eventually lost the match.
Kalou, who has long played out of position to accommodate the presence of star striker Didier Drogba, says he’s no longer willing to continue on the wing.
“It doesn’t bother me [being on the bench] because I’ve decided to no longer play on the wing. And that’s important to me,” Kalou told reporters. “Since I’ve been in the national team, I’ve accepted playing on the wings because Didier Drogba was the striker for Ivory Coast.”
Now, however, the Hertha Berlin forward is clear about his ambitions: he wants to play centrally, as a striker — his natural position.
“As a player, I know that playing up front is more beneficial. I don’t mind being in competition. To perform as well for the national team as for my club, I have to be put in my place. Playing on the wing is not easy.”
Kalou also reminded critics of his consistent contributions to the national team:
“In the national team, I have never played in my position. Despite that, people have to know that I am the second-best scorer in this national team after Didier Drogba.”
