Gabriel Moscardo Ready to Take Charge at Stade de Reims

It’s been a challenging start to the 2024-25 season for Gabriel Moscardo, who is on loan to Stade de Reims from Paris Saint-Germain, but the young Brazilian received a confidence booster in terms of a goal to end 2024 on a positive note.

PSG loaned Moscardo to their Ligue 1 McDonald’s counterpart to get him playing time and adapt to French football. The loan made sense on paper, but it’s been a rollercoaster ride for the 19-year-old.

Moscardo dealt with a hip injury to start the season, and after recovery from that, he remained on the bench despite being fit and has only made four total appearances. Last month, Reims manager Luka Elsner preached patience and that the Brazilian’s playing time would increase.

“He was held back by an injury early on and didn’t have much time to prepare, so he still needs to adjust to Ligue 1, the intensity of the duels, and the available space. He’s aware of this, we discuss it often, and we’re working on improving in these areas; he’s putting in a lot of effort to get there.”

“Although he hasn’t played yet, he’s an important asset for the club... He’s making progress, and we’re hoping to get him in a position soon to show his full potential. He’s still young and has a unique profile...”

“I’m not involved in contract decisions, but what I do know is that we need all our resources, and as soon as he’s ready to help, we won’t hesitate to use him. The key is effective communication and moving forward together. The time will come, and I’m confident.”

Elsner’s words aged well with Moscardo receiving increased playing time in the Coupe de France Round of 64 matchup against Still Mutzig, where he played 75 minutes.

The teenager also found the net with a left-footed shot from the center of the box into the bottom left corner, thanks to an assist from Thibault De Smet, in Reims’ 3-1 win.

If Reims want to make a deep run in the Coupe de France, where they’ll face AS Monaco in the Round of 32, and also challenge for a European spot next season, with just five points separating them from Olympique Lyonnais for the UEFA Europa League position, they’ll need Moscardo to step up and make the most of his minutes on the pitch.

Moscardo proved that, despite his age and limited playing time, he’s more than ready to step up and play a key role whenever Elsner calls on him. This mindset isn’t surprising, considering the midfielder mentioned last January that he was more than ready to play in Europe after his move from Corinthians to PSG.

“Yes, I feel prepared; I’ve been preparing for this for years. I’ve been learning English for five years, and of course, in July, I’ll arrive and study French as well. I’ve had some trips to Europe before and always felt good here. I felt like it was the place for me here, and I’m sure I’m going to adapt well in Paris.”

READ MORE:

>>About Ligue 1's Coaches (Part I)
>>About Ligue 1's Coaches (Part II)