An interview with Fouad Bachirou, by Callum McFadden for WFi.
How do you reflect on your time coming through the youth system at Paris Saint-Germain?
“It was great. I was really young and, being from Paris, it felt like a huge honour. At that age I probably did not realise how big it truly was, and perhaps I took some things for granted. But it was a privilege to be there, and the club looked after me well. I learned a lot from being around great players.”
What were the facilities like at PSG, and what was the level of competition among the young players at the club?
“The facilities were exactly what you would expect from the most prestigious club in France. Everything was in place for you to succeed. The competition was extremely tough. The Paris region produces so many talented players, and we see that today in the number of French internationals who come from that area.
“Very early you feel the level of competition, and you start to understand how valuable your place is because so many young players would dream of being where you are. At first, I was not fully conscious of it, but as time passed, I realised the privilege I had.”
When you left PSG, you moved to Scotland to join Greenock Morton. How did that move come about, and what was the transition like from French football to the west coast of Scotland?
“It was completely different and a big change. Things had not worked out with a move to Italy, even though I was very close to signing, and suddenly I was left with limited options.
“Through my agent, who had contacts in Scotland, I got the chance to join Morton for pre-season so I could stay fit while we continued talks with other clubs.
“Within the first week, Morton showed strong interest in signing me, and after three weeks, they made it clear they wanted me. At first, it was not my preferred choice, but I also understood it could be good for me.
“At twenty, I needed guaranteed game time and the chance to play regular men’s football. That was my priority.
“After speaking with my family, I realised it made sense. I knew I would get the opportunity to play lots of matches and grow. The style of football was very different. The ball was in the air more than I liked, but I adapted, and it turned out to be a great move because I got exactly what I needed, which was regular football.”
Morton were competitive in the Championship at that time and pushed for promotion to the Scottish Premiership. What was that experience like?
“It was great. We missed promotion by four points, and at that time, only the league winner went up. We went toe to toe with Partick Thistle until the end. I played a lot, I felt the love from the club and the fans, and it became an important step in my development. It helped me grow as a player and contributed to the career I had later on.”
One highlight was the 1-0 win over Celtic at Celtic Park in the Scottish League Cup. How do you look back on that night, especially facing players like Virgil van Dijk?
“It was a fantastic memory. People still ask me about that night. Playing against Celtic, who are giants in Scotland, and doing it at Celtic Park in front of that crowd was special.
“When you look back now and see the careers of players like Van Dijk and Scott Brown, it makes it even more incredible. That night was a major highlight for me and for everyone involved with the club.”
Your next move was to Östersunds in Sweden, where you worked under Graham Potter and won the Swedish Cup. How do you reflect on your time there?
“It was a great move, even though it surprised a lot of people, including myself. I never imagined I would end up living in the north of Sweden when I began at PSG.
“I learned about Östersunds through Graham Potter and Billy Reid. Billy knew me from Scotland and had tried to sign me when he was at Hamilton.
“I did not know much about Swedish football or Östersunds, but after speaking with them and hearing their ideas, their vision, and how they felt they could help my career, I knew it was right.
“I probably had the most enjoyable spell of my career there. We played exciting football, gained promotion, won the Swedish Cup, and reached the Europa League. We had some incredible nights. It was fantastic.”
In the Europa League, you faced Athletic Bilbao and Hertha Berlin and reached the knockout stages. How pleasing was that achievement?
“It was very pleasing. As a footballer, you always want to test yourself against the best. Playing those matches shows you where you are in your development.
“Beating Galatasaray to qualify for the group stage was already huge. Then, competing with and beating teams like Hertha Berlin and Athletic Bilbao, who are well known across Europe, was something special. Finishing top of the group showed the level we were playing at.”
After the success at Östersunds, Malmö signed you. Was joining the champions the natural next step in your progression?
“Yes, it felt like the right step. I wanted to play in a higher league, but I also realised that before you earn a move to a top league, you need to prove you can be the best in your own league.
Östersunds were a newly promoted club, and although we did well, winning was not a constant expectation.
“I felt that for my development, I needed to be in an environment where pressure was higher and where draws were not acceptable. Malmö were champions and regularly in Europe, so the demands were greater.
It helped me grow again and prepared me for the next stage of my career.”
You won the league title with Malmö. How special was that?
“It was fantastic. That is why we play football. We want to compete and win. I was fortunate to win the title with Malmö, and it was a great achievement.”
You then moved to Nottingham Forest. How exciting was the opportunity to play in England at that stage of your career?
“It was very exciting. It felt like a reward for all the work I had done. Moving to England was a big step, and it showed the progression I had made. It was a gratifying moment.”
It was also a difficult period for the club with lots of changes in the background. Was it a case of the right move at the wrong time?
“Unfortunately, yes, both for the club and for me personally. I arrived after already playing 25 matches in Sweden, and then did a full pre-season because I wanted to prove myself and be like everyone else.
“That did not help me, and I had a major injury, which led to several setbacks. The team was also struggling, which made it difficult for me to come back into the side.
“It was a tough time, but football is like that. You learn from those moments and move forward. I have been fortunate that difficult spells have been rare in my career.”
You then joined Omonia in Cyprus, won the cup twice, and worked under managers such as Henning Berg and Neil Lennon. How was your experience there?
“It was very enjoyable. After a difficult year, I needed to get back playing, especially with the African Cup of Nations coming up.
“Henning Berg showed strong interest in signing me, and I liked the project and the environment. The club had big ambitions and passionate fans.
“We had great European nights as well, including matches against Real Sociedad and Manchester United. Working under Neil Lennon was also a good experience. Overall, I really enjoyed my time in Cyprus.”
You have represented Comoros more than forty times and captained the national team. How proud are you of what you have achieved on the international stage?
“I am extremely proud. Comoros is where I spent all my holidays growing up and where my family is from. It is a big part of my identity.
“We are a small nation and only became part of FIFA in 2006, so to qualify for our first AFCON, get out of the group and compete well was incredible.
“We have also been close in World Cup qualifying.
“Captaining the national team is something that means a lot to me.”
AFCON does not always get the respect it deserves. Do you think that is partly due to the timing of the tournament during the European season?
“Yes, I believe the timing plays a big role. Fans follow their clubs every week, and for some of them, club matches take priority.
“Media exposure could also be better for AFCON, but it is improving. There are more African players in top European clubs now, and the infrastructure in African football continues to grow. I think the tournament will only get bigger.”
Finally, Fouad, you are still playing now with Matlock Town. Looking ahead, what do you see for your future after you eventually stop playing?
“I returned to the UK partly to concentrate on that transition. I still enjoy playing, but I also want to prepare myself for the future.
“I want to stay in football in some capacity. I would like to share my experience, continue learning, and find the right role. I am doing some coaching, and I am also studying for a Master’s in Sport and Leadership to give myself more tools.
“In a few years, I hope to move fully into a non-playing role somewhere within the football industry.”
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