“It wasn’t normal” – Paris FC boss demands more from Super Eagles star Simon

Paris FC manager Antoine Kombouaré has praised the impact of Nigeria international Moses Simon on the club’s recent improvement in form, Afrik-Foot reports.

However, the French coach has also sent a clear public message to the Super Eagles winger, insisting he expects even more from the experienced forward.

Simon has started to rediscover parts of his exciting form since Kombouaré took charge of the club a few weeks ago.

Before the manager’s arrival, the Nigerian had struggled to make his usual impact. He scored just three goals and provided two assists in 22 league appearances.

Under former Paris FC coach Stéphane Gilli, Simon rarely completed full matches, playing the full 90 minutes only a few times before the manager left the club. In fact, he began Gilli’s final two games on the bench as Paris FC battled for results both home and away.

Kombouaré knows the qualities the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations bronze medalist can bring. The pair previously worked together at FC Nantes, where the Nigerian forward enjoyed one of the best spells of his career.

During that time, Simon scored 37 goals and provided 42 assists in 201 appearances; his highest totals for goals, assists and games at any single club.

Because of that trust, Kombouaré immediately restored Simon to the starting lineup in his first match in charge. The decision paid off quickly as the former KAA Gent winger played an important role in the move that led to Paris FC’s winning goal in a 1-0 victory over OGC Nice.

Simon also impressed again at the weekend when Paris FC secured a valuable 1-1 draw away to Olympique Lyonnais.

Kombouaré expects more from Simon

Speaking after the draw, Kombouaré made it clear that he is pleased to see Simon improving again, but he believes the winger must now deliver more consistently.

“I told him it wasn’t normal… If you’re a great player, regardless of the coach you have, you have to maintain your level, repeat the same performances. So, of course, I’m happy to have him back, but what he did before was unworthy of such a player.“

The coach acknowledged Simon’s recent efforts but said the Nigerian must now show his quality more often.

“Now, we’re giving him confidence, and he has to demonstrate it through performances of the level we expect from such a player,” he explained.

Kombouaré also wants the forward to be more decisive in front of goal.

“He’s doing well, but we always expect more from him. He has to be able to score, to be effective. He has to repeat the performances he’s capable of.”

Simon is still searching for his first goal since Kombouaré took over the team, but the manager believes it is only a matter of time before the experienced attacker begins delivering again.

The Nigerian winger will hope to prove his coach right when Paris FC continue their push for better results against RC Strasbourg Alsace on Sunday.