Amadou: I want to play lead role at Sky Blues
AMADOU Bakayoko has challenged himself to be the main man at Coventry City.
The Sky Blues striker has scored four goals so far this season, three to secure victory over Plymouth Argyle and Charlton Athletic earlier in the season and one to get the ball rolling over his former club Walsall at the weekend.
That’s not a bad return from just five starts and 13 substitute appearances in League One so far this term, but the 23-year-old has been handed more game time in recent weeks and is determined to establish himself as Mark Robins’ first pick up front.
He also wants to build on his growing relationship with the fans.
Supporters were quick to judge the centre-forward following his £300,000 move from the Saddlers in the summer when the player came in for plenty of criticism until he went on as a second-half super sub at The Valley in early October and turned what was heading for a 1-0 defeat into a marvellous 2-1 away victory for the Sky Blues.
And although his progress stalled with an eight-week injury lay-off in December and January, the fans have started to get right behind Bakayoko, whom many see as a hero in the making.
Bakayoko appreciates their backing and is determined to prove himself to the City faithful.
Reflecting on his superbly headed near-post goal from a Dujon Sterling cross at the Ricoh Arena last Saturday, he said: “I just felt I had a point to prove to the Coventry fans to let them see that I can play and am capable of being the main target man and main player.
“And that’s my main focus at the moment – doing my best for the team, that’s it.
“I just want as many goals as possible to help out the club and that’s my main focus to make sure we get three points in the games I play.”
And he is now feeling the love from the Coventry fans. “They have been amazing,” he said. “It’s been massive how they have helped me and I am very grateful. They definitely put a smile on my face.”
And Bakayoko is hoping that things will finally click into place for the team who scored more than two goals for only the second time this term at the weekend despite often creating numerous chances in games this season.
“I think it’s a case of confidence and getting to know each other on the training pitch and bonding, stuff like that can make a lot of difference when you are getting on well together,” he said. Manager Robins said after Saturday’s match that Bakayoko set the benchmark for himself with that performance. The player agreed, saying: “Yes, but I always think I can improve and do a bit better.
“I have been working hard with the gaffer and Adi, who have been brilliant. They have been very patient.”