Former Sochaux manager Albert Cartier looks back on the earlier playing days of Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram.
The 26-year-old rose through the ranks of the French club before earning a spot in the first team.
Between 2015 and 2017, the French international served under the guidance of Cartier.
The 63-year-old explains why he fielded the current Nerazzurri star on the wings.
“Marcus started as an attacking winger, not as a central striker, even though it was already clear that he also liked to play up front,” said Cartier in his interview with FcInterNews.
“We played in a 4-2-3-1 formation, so he was perfect in the three behind the center forward to take advantage of his speed in one-on-one situations.”
The former Sochaux, Ajaccio and Nancy coach reveals that Thuram had always boasted impressive self-confidence.
“He’s a good person who always smiles. He takes things as they come. He never feels the pressure.
“One time in the French Cup, he kicked the last penalty, the decisive one, against PSG despite his young age.
“He didn’t have any problems. Obviously, he scored and allowed the team to go through.
“He has a natural confidence that helps him in everything.”
The French coach also feels that Thuram’s experience with Borussia Monchengladbach was essential in preparing him for a top club like Inter.
“Lilian Thuram always takes care of his children, professionally speaking. So for Marcus, the move to Germany was fundamental.
“There, he became a man. If he had gone to Italy straight away, he would have had problems, especially at a top club like the Nerazzurri.
“But instead, he raised his level over time and arrived prepared to wear the Inter shirt.”
Albert Cartier Offers Insights On The Earlier Playing Days Of Inter Milan Striker Marcus Thuram
Finally, Cartier takes credit for teaching Thuram how to track back and support his teammates in defense.
“In the Sochaux youth team, he never defended. He didn’t chase his opponents.
“Perhaps some coaches were almost afraid to call him out on this aspect.
“With Marcus, we worked a lot on movements without the ball. Then one day, he was called up to France U21.
“I subsequently received a call from the coach at the time who told me ‘Thank you, Albert, Marcus Thuram is the best defender in my team’. The lad understood the importance of this aspect.”
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