Nice manager Pantaloni explains how Mohamed Abdelmonem is overcoming language barrier

Nice manager Olivier Pantaloni says Mohamed Abdelmonem needs time and support to adapt, with the Egypt defender still facing difficulties communicating in French after returning from a serious knee injury.

Abdelmonem joined Nice’s squad after missing the whole of last season because of a cruciate ligament injury. He has made three appearances for the club during the current campaign since completing his recovery.

Pantaloni told ON Sport Max that the club must help Abdelmonem understand the specialist language used in football, while also finding ways to communicate with him on the training ground and during matches.

“We must give Mohamed Abdelmonem some time, and someone at the club should stay close to him to teach him football terminology,” Pantaloni said.

“For my part, I speak to him in English for some time. English is also difficult for me, but it allows me to get the information across.”

The Nice manager added that Arabic-speaking members of the squad have also helped bridge the gap between him and Abdelmonem.

“We have some Arabs at Nice who speak French, and they translate what I say to Mohamed Abdelmonem,” he said.

Despite the communication problems, Pantaloni believes the defender has significant qualities that can develop further as he regains his fitness and settles into the team.

“I see a lot of technical and physical potential in Abdelmonem, and this will come even more with time,” he said.

“Tactically, he is very strong. He is a solid defender, communicates well with his team-mates and is an influential player in my defensive system.”

Pantaloni said Abdelmonem’s willingness to listen was one of his most important strengths. The manager also holds regular conversations with him about the areas of his game that require improvement.

“The best thing about Abdelmonem is that he listens well,” Pantaloni added. “I always speak to him about the points he needs to improve.

“What matters to me is that he has the basics and the broad understanding required for his position. His willingness to follow instructions will help him develop further.”

The Nice manager said Abdelmonem’s cruciate ligament injury had been particularly difficult and had prevented him from playing throughout the previous season. Although the defender is now back in action, Pantaloni believes he still needs to be managed carefully.

“Mohamed Abdelmonem’s injury was difficult and cost him the whole of last season,” he said. “Today, he is facing some difficulties because of the language barrier, but he wants to feel our confidence in him and to know that he is valued within the team.”

“He needs some time during the current season, and he must give his maximum effort so that his performances fit the team better. He also needs to speed up his physical rehabilitation so he can play 90 minutes in several matches over long periods of weeks.”

Pantaloni also stressed the importance of Abdelmonem monitoring his recovery and communicating any problems to the club.

“He must listen to his body and tell us how he feels so that we can help him,” he said.

Abdelmonem’s three appearances this season have come after his return from the cruciate ligament injury that ruled him out for the entirety of the previous campaign. Nice are continuing to support his physical recovery and footballing adaptation as he works to establish himself in the side.