CJ Egan-Riley: Press conference

Press conference replay on twitch

Conrad Jedan Egan-Riley: ‘Ready to take on the challenges’

Qualities and areas for improvement?

There are many things I'm good at and many things I need to improve. That's why I came here, to improve. I want to be like a sponge and soak up all the information.

What do you know about OM?

I know some of the players at the club. It helped to see some familiar faces. I know the history of OM. It's the biggest club in France, the first to win the Champions League in France, and the fans are impressive.

Defensive positions

I have the qualities to play in all three defensive positions. I want to be available to the coach, get as much playing time as possible, improve and help the team as much as I can, wherever the coach decides to play me. The important thing is not the position but the commitment.

The pressure

I've come here with the intention of playing. It will depend on how I work. I'll always be happy, I want to contribute. It's a step up. I had a good season, we got promoted to the Premier League. I want to establish myself, there's competition, I respect my teammates. And if I'm not on the pitch, I'll help the team in other ways.

The pace, the sequence of matches

In terms of pace, I'm used to playing a match every three days, because we usually played on Tuesdays and Saturdays. I've got used to the physical demands. I still need to improve, but playing matches is the best preparation. I need to work hard to be ready to play as many matches as possible.

Advice about Ligue 1

Maxime Estève is a good friend of mine. I've been close to him for a long time, but we haven't talked about OM together. He congratulated me, which was nice.

Advice from Jonathan Rowe

I spoke with him recently and asked him about the club, the city and the fans. I saw his goal against Lyon. ? He thinks it's a good decision for me.

Why OM?

There are many factors. The history, the fans, the project, the coach. I had several options, but I talked to my agents and my family, and this is the club I wanted to go to. It's a decision that fills me with joy. I'm convinced that this is the start of a new chapter.

Football

I started when I was three years old at a local club in Manchester. I signed for Manchester City when I was nine and stayed there until I was 20. Then there was Burnley, Scotland, PSV on loan and now I'm here.

Attacks in the Premier League

My entire career has been full of challenges in terms of the type of players I've faced... I'm here to show my qualities and bring something to the club. I'm here to learn and implement the coach's style of play.

The secrets of Burnley's season

It just clicked between the coach, the staff and the players. We just wanted to defend. We wanted to have possession of the ball and control it. It worked well. We have defensive records in England. I want to put that into practice here.

Main strength and area for improvement

I need to improve my overall game. Last year, I wasn't challenged too much in one-on-one situations or in wider spaces. I lost few duels last year. There may be more one-on-ones this year. I'm ready for the challenge.

Idols, inspirations

I don't have any idols, but there are players I admire, especially in England, but also players who have played for OM. But there's no one player in particular.

Why the number 4?

It's a special number. I played with it at a local club when I was 4 or 5. My mum chose it for me, and when I had the opportunity to choose, I didn't hesitate.