'He showed what he’s capable of' - Club America manager André Jardine praises Allan Saint-Maximin after debut goal

Allan Saint-Maximin’s debut could not have been scripted any better. The 28-year-old Frenchman, formerly of Newcastle and Al Ahli, made his first appearance in Mexican football and immediately left his mark, scoring in América’s 4-2 comeback victory over Atlas in Guadalajara.

With Las Águilas trailing 2-1, Saint-Maximin entered in the 62nd minute and wasted little time in showing the talent he has. Once the match was level and América had a man advantage following Aldo Rocha’s red card, América's new No. 97 struck in the 89th minute, finishing off a pass from Isaías Violante to seal the turnaround.

Head coach André Jardine was full of praise for his new signing afterward.

“Congratulations to Maxi, what an entrance. In just 30 minutes, he showed what he’s capable of. This signing deserves a lot of praise; the club made a huge effort to bring in a player of this level. He already looks well integrated, almost as if he’s been here longer. He looks happy to be at América,” said the Brazilian coach.

Jardine also acknowledged that Saint-Maximin’s adaptation process took some time. 

“Maxi’s incorporation was the most difficult. When you bring in a player of this caliber, you need patience," he said. "I also believe the players we already have here deliver, even if they’re not considered ‘superstars,’ and they are a big reason for our recent titles.”

With the victory at Estadio Jalisco, América remain unbeaten with 14 points from 18, and now turn their focus to hosting Pachuca next Saturday in Matchday 7.