Timothy Weah says Lille fans are starting to see the real him as the USMNT forward starts to show his full potential for the Ligue 1 Uber Eats title challengers.
With fellow north American, the Canada international Jonathan David, sidelined with an ankle injury, Weah will have an important role in Christophe Galtier's squad as the northerners look to keep out in front of the chasing pack in the title race in the closing stages of the campaign.
After a thigh injury limited the New York City-born striker to just three league appearances last season — his first at Lille since joining from PSG — Weah has been able to play his part in his club's push for the French crown.
"I hope so," he replied when asked whether Lille fans were starting to see the real Timothy Weah. "I had a bad last season individually with injuries. I've forgotten that and I take this season as a reward for my work. I'm starting to play a lot of matches, to score some goals. For me, the most important thing is to keep going, improve, gain confidence, and work for the team. The goals will come naturally after that."
WATCH: Timothy Weah's first league goal for Lille
With forward options including David, Jonathan Ikoné, Yusuf Yazici, Jonathan Bamba, Burak Yilmaz and Weah, coach Christophe Galtier is spoilt for choice. But even though usually only three of them will play at any one time, Weah insists that everyone in the squad is pulling in the same direction.
"I'm happy to be part of this great team and I'm going to give my all. I have the trust of the coach and the president, and I thank them. You can feel the collective strength, the attitude. We all want to play for each other," Weah told Lille's official website.
"We're young, we're hungry, and there is healthy competition between us. That pushes us to give more. There's no jealousy, no ego. We're all here to play for our teammates, to fight for the team. I think there's an excellent mood and that starts with what the coach gives us."
He added: "The seven matches to come are going to be decisive. We have to take them as they come, match by match, without stressing. We're focussing on the trip to Metz, which won't be easy, without thinking about what comes afterwards, without thinking about the others. We have to stay humble and keep focussed on work. That's all that counts," said Weah.
"We'll have to seize every opportunity and score as soon as possible if we want to win. When you score the first goal, it changes the game, that's the hardest thing to do, and it's the same against any opponent, because at 1-0 you don't defend in the same way and your opponent doesn't attack in the same way. To score, you have to keep playing well, stay solid and play together. The aim is to get something at Metz to stay in the hunt."
