In Conversation: Lukas Franzen-Jones

By Dylan Smith

Following a 4-1 pre-season win at home against Concord Rangers, goalscorer and new signing Lukas Franzen-Jones was able to give us a small preview into what the ‘Gate should expect of him in the soon coming 24/25 season.

“I played at Lancing last year, I look to hold off defenders, bring the other attackers into play and score as many goals as I can really.”

Sometimes it can take a while for a player to settle into new surroundings, but not with Lukas as he feels that the team have been “welcoming” and are all pulling in the right direction as matchday one approaches.

“It’s been really good so far. We have made positive strides with how we are wanting to play and how we’re wanting to approach games. It is a lot of information to take in and there are a lot of new players so it is about getting the little details right, but so far everyone has been welcoming and it has been good to get going.”

Lukas put up amazing numbers in front of goal last season, netting 24 times for Lancing. Coming with a goal scoring reputation, he has set himself lofty aims he hopes to achieve in Blue this year!

“That is definitely the target, to at least score as many goals as I did last season. Obviously I would like to score as many goals as I can and get more and more. So I hope to improve on my goal tally from last year and help us win as many games as possible.”

Lukas picked up an impressive goal in our 4-1 victory against Concord, taking it off the chest and slotting home calmly. He feels like he is in his element when he has his back to goal.

“Anything that can come into me with my back to goal, I look to try and get a shot off or bring my teammates into play. It’s always nice to score a goal and I hope that I can keep it up.”

With Ben Greenhalgh taking over the reins as player/manager, Lukas feels this new dynamic is interesting, but it won't have a negative effect on him and the squad.

“It has already been laid out how the dynamic is going to work. I spoke to the rest of the management team before signing and they made it really clear as to how it was going to work. On matchday he’s focusing on playing and making an impact, whereas in training he is more of a coach. It’s definitely not going to be a problem, if anything it is working really well.

“Every team is different, they all have a different style of play. You just need to get used to who is playing around you and you always have to adapt because everyone is different. We get the ball forward and we have to get bodies around me, the other strikers and wingers to create chances and score goals.”

Lukas had a quick message for the fans, thanking them for how welcoming they have been.

“I think it’s been great to meet everyone here, everyone has been really welcoming. I hope they keep coming back, so I can see them here every week, and we should hopefully have a successful season.”

LFJ is sponsored by Joe Barker (home) and Lukas Jones (away)!

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