Q&A: Maxi's moment finally here

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Charlotte FC’s new designated player, Frenchman Allan Saint-Maximin, has had a week or so to integrate into his new team, including 20 minutes off the bench in Tuesday’s 1-0 loss to Pachuca in Leagues Cup play. On the eve of his first intra-MLS game against Columbus, in which he’ll continue building up minutes, “Maxi” met with the local media for a wide-ranging interview, showing off both his candor and his fluent English.

Here are excerpts of that press conference, which include more about why Saint-Maximin chose Charlotte, the challenge of playing on artificial turf, and his early impressions of Coach Dean Smith.

Q. How does Charlotte meet what you were expecting?

Since I arrived, all the people here are so nice. It really looked like family city, and this is all I need. From all of the small things I see (so far), I really like.

Q. How did it feel to be on the field Tuesday?

It was a bit strange for me, especially to play on the turf, but I need to adapt. I hear a lot of players when they arrive, struggle at the beginning, but it's OK. It's a big change because it's a new team, new teammates, different style of play and a lot of things are different, but if you see my career, I move a lot, and I always adapt. That's exactly what I have to do now.

Q. What impact does turf have on your dribbling prowess?

It’s a big difference because of how I move and drive the ball. [On grass] there is more chance for my defender to slide. For them to slide in the turf, you need to do crazy dribbling, so it will be difficult but I will have to find a way to be the best version of myself.

Q. Did you develop your skills playing street soccer growing up in Paris?

So much. I was the type of player to go in my house, take some shoes and [dribble] around because I didn't have the money to (buy) cones or whatever. I just tried to go around the table, the shoes, to really work my left, my right, and at this time, I can dribble with both. I can shoot with both.

Q. How important was it to you to make this a long-term move? (He has four children 10, 9, 7 and 10 months.)

It was very important, especially for my family, because if we ask my kids what is normal for them, they will say to move every six months. I want to bring more stability, for them to have the chance to set up some place, to have a friend, keep the same friend, really start to feel good in a city. It was very important for me to choose the right city. I received many offers from different countries, and I think Charlotte is exactly the place I need.

Q. What have you seen so far?

It’s only been a couple of days, but I had the chance to be around SouthPark Mall. It’s one of the first times in my life where I could walk and nobody ran to me. It was unbelievable to feel for the first time like normal people.

In all the places I've been — Mexico, Turkey, France — it’s impossible to do that. When I go out with the kids, they never really have the dad for them. There are always people [wanting] pictures and stuff. I don't mind doing it because I know it's my job, but sometimes you just want to spend time with your kids and just be a normal person. Charlotte gives me the chance to do that.

That’s [worth] a million for me.

Q. Does helping have a stable family life help you perform on the field?

It's everything. That’s why some players didn't decide to have kids because it's a big distraction. If anything's happening, this affects you in the pitch. … In Lens, my baby used to travel with me in away games. This was something incredible. Not every club will understand you want to be a dad and take care of your family, and I have the chance here in Charlotte.

Q. How do you feel you’re fitting into Dean Smith’s system?

I've been with so many different managers: [Leonardo] Jardim, Jose Mourinho, Patrick Vieira, Christophe Galtier. A manager with a big ego, manager that’s great tactically but not great with to manage a group.

One of the things I really liked [about Smith] happened in [a video session]. [Idan] Toklomati had the opportunity to go 1-v-1 against the defender or just play a simple ball [to a teammate], and the manager said, “In that case, I want you to take the 1-v-1. Even if you lose the ball, I'm not going to say anything to you.”

This is very powerful, because a lot of managers are going to say to the player, “I don't want you to lose the ball in the box. Try to find a pass.” It helps you understand who the manager is and how he thinks, and it's exactly what I think.

Q. On Tuesday, you drew a foul in the box against Pachuca and didn’t take the penalty shot. Given your statistics [one penalty kick goal in two attempts] do you prefer not to take them?

In Al-Ahil [Saudi Arabia], the guy who was shooting the penalty was Riyad Mahrez. Even if you shoot incredible, this guy is going to take the [penalty] every time. And he was my friend. He was the captain as well. I'm very humble, even if sometimes with my style people think differently.

I'm not the type of guy with a big ego who says, “I'm the boss. I'm better than you. Give me the pen.” … In my case, every place I've been, there is always a crazy penalty-taker, and it was very difficult to have the time or the chance to score.

Q. What happened Tuesday after you drew the foul? (Backup striker Archie Goodwin, who had been designated pregame to take penalties when in the game, had his attempt saved.)

I take the ball, and Archie came to me. I was like “fair enough” because he's an important player. The game against Pumas, he scored a goal. I just arrived. I didn't even help the team in the first two games, and I come take the ball? I'm not like this. The next penalty I will not do the same.

Q. Is there a teammate you're building some chemistry with or who has gone above and beyond to welcome you into the club?

Not too much, to be fair, at this time. I will always be honest to you guys. I really like the way Pep [Biel] plays. He's the type of player I love, with good technique, good left [foot]. I think he's one of the best players in the team, or the best. But we need more time to create this connection.

◼️ Toffolo out: Left back Harry Toffolo is out again with lingering hamstring issues. Toffolo, who missed five games before the World Cup break with a hamstring strain, played in Charlotte’s first three MLS games coming out of the break. But he left after about 60 minutes against both the New York Red Bulls and Chicago Fire when his leg tightened up. He underwent additional MRI scans, and Smith said he expects Toffolo will miss “a couple of weeks maximum.”

Since Toffolo arrived last August on a free transfer from Nottingham Forest, the 30-year-old Englishman has missed 10 of Charlotte’s 29 MLS games in that span. He turns 31 on Wednesday.

◼️ Surgical updates: Two of Charlotte FC’s budding young stars, homegrown players winger Nimfasha Berchimas and midfielder Aron John, are out for extended periods following operations last week. Berchimas will miss at least 12 weeks after his operation Aug. 6 for a broken foot. He fractured his fifth metatarsal while playing with the U.S. U-20 team in Mexico. It’s the second straight season for Berchimas to miss three months with a broken foot.

John, who grew up in Charlotte, suffered a shoulder injury during practice leading up to the resumption of play following the World Cup break. John, who made his MLS debut in Charlotte’s season-opener against Austin, is expected to miss five months following surgery Aug. 6.

When/Where: 7:30 p.m. Bank of America Stadium.

How to watch: Apple TV. Find information about how to subscribe for the season here.

How to listen: WFNZ 92.7 in English, WOLS 106.1 in Spanish.

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Carroll Walton is a longtime baseball writer with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution now in her fifth season covering Charlotte FC. She would love to hear from you. E-mail her with questions, suggestions, story ideas and comments!