City striker Mathieu Manset sets his sights on a starting role after signing for the Sky Blues last week...
Coventry City striker Mathieu Manset hopes to draw on the experience of playing with Nicholas Anelka, during his time with the Sky Blues.
The 23-year old forward signed with City last Friday after a month-long trial, playing pre-season games against Mansfield Town, Fleetwood Town and Eredivisie side Heracles Almelo.
Manset has had previous spells with English clubs Hereford Town, Reading and Carlisle, Swiss top flight side FC Sion and Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua.
During his time in China, Manset had the opportunity to work with Anelka, whose previous clubs include Real Madrid, PSG, Arsenal and Chelsea, and he believes that time with the former French international has benefitted him.
The French forward said: "I chose to move to China because Nicholas Anelka was there at the time and I thought it was a great opportunity to learn the game from someone like him.
"He is a big striker and I am a big fan of him so I thought it would be a good move for me. I feel as though I have learnt some good things from him during my time in China, and I have come back ready.
"We still speak and when I signed here, he sent me a text congratulating me on moving here. Hopefully he can come and watch one of my games.
"Hopefully, I can use the experience I had working with him at Coventry. It will be tough to get into the side but that is my main focus."
Having scored seven goals in the first two league matches this season, with Callum Wilson scoring three of them, the Sky Blues are currently the second highest goal-scorers in the division.
Manset knows it will be difficult to break up the Leon Clarke and Callum Wilson partnership, but he determined to figure against former club Carlisle United on Saturday.
He added: "When anyone scores in the team, I am really happy for them. They have both started the season really well but I have to do everything to play for the club.
"At the moment, everyone in the squad wants to play in the side. Callum (Wilson) has scored three in three games and Leon has also scored but now I am here, I will push them.
"On Sunday, the side created a lot of chances for the strikers which is a good thing. For me, watching the game, it is good to see that as I know when I play, I will get chances and it will be up to me to score.
"I really want to play against Carlisle on Saturday. They were my last club and you always want to play against your former clubs so hopefully I will get a chance to do that."
Watch the full version of Mathieu Manset's interview on Player by clicking here...