“Probably the biggest club” – Super Eagles striker on adapting to physicality of Ligue 2

The Nigeria international has fired the goals that could lift Les Girondins back to the French top flight

Super Eagles striker Josh Maja has been talking about his experience playing for Bordeaux in Ligue 2 this season.

Despite being relegated from Ligue 1 last season, Bordeaux are on course for promotion this year, and Maja has played a key role in their success, with 11 goals and three assists in 26 games.

In an interview with 90 Football as per Girondins4ever, Maja spoke about the challenges of playing in Ligue 2, where every team they face gives “110%”.

As one of the biggest clubs in the league, Maja said that Bordeaux have a responsibility to be aggressive, to win games, and to dominate. He believes they have mostly achieved that this season, but acknowledges that the opposing teams will always give more against them than against the others.

Maja also talked about the physicality of the league, with defenders who are “bigger and stronger” than him. He said that his game is mostly based on intelligence and finding the right spaces, and that he has had to adapt to the demands of the league.

Despite the challenges, Maja is optimistic about Bordeaux’s chances of promotion this season. He said that the team has a long way to go to reach their objectives, but that they will give their all.

What has been said? 

“With the team, that’s what we have done this season, I think,” Maja said. “We have a long way to go to reach our objectives but we will give our all.

“With the team, that’s what we have done this season, I think… We have a long way to go to reach our objectives but we will give our all. I have the feeling that every team we face gives 110%. We are probably the biggest club in Ligue 2, so we have a responsibility to be aggressive, to win games and to dominate.

“What we have done most of the time this season. The opposing teams will always give more against us than against the others. So we have to be in the game every week. Physically, it resembles the championships where I played.

“Of course, the defenders are bigger and stronger than me, so my game is mostly based on intelligence, finding the right spaces. It is certainly a difficult championship. Anyone can beat anyone, we gotta stay focused.”

Maja played for 78 minutes as Bordeaux drew 1-1 at home to Saint-Etienne at the weekend to move to within nine points of league leaders Le Havre.