Maldini Kacurri says he is enjoying life at Grimsby Town and is determined to keep improving as the Mariners prepare for Saturday’s important Sky Bet League Two clash with Crewe Alexandra at Blundell Park.

The defender has quickly settled into life in North East Lincolnshire since arriving at the club, becoming a regular presence in the side and playing a key role in Town’s defensive record during the closing stages of the season.

Here’s everything he had to say ahead of the weekend…

On settling in at the Mariners

Kacurri says he has enjoyed his first few months at the club and is continuing to adapt to life at Blundell Park.

“Yeah, I’m really enjoying it so far,” he said.

“I can’t complain. It’s been good and the weather’s getting better as well, so that helps.

“I live very close to the beach as well. If I look out my window I can see it, so it’s really nice and I’m enjoying being here.”

On the support from the Town fans

The defender has also been impressed by the welcome he has received from the Town supporters.

“It’s really nice,” he said.

“It’s great to hear them and it’s really good to have them supporting us all the time, good or bad.

“They’ve even got a little song for me which is nice to hear.”

On his development since joining

Having already played significant minutes since arriving, Kacurri believes the experience is helping him continue to develop his game.

“I try to pick things up with each game,” he explained.

“I know I’ve still got a lot to improve on and I feel like I can develop a lot here.

“It’s been a lot of learning and I just want to continue that.”

On learning from the coaching staff

With both David Artell and Shaun Pearson having played as defenders during their careers, Kacurri says their advice has been invaluable.

“It definitely helps,” he said.

“It’s much easier to trust the advice when they’ve played in those positions themselves.

“Having both of them helping me is really good.”

On continuing to improve his game

While pleased with his start at the club, Kacurri insists there is still more to come from him.

“I still think I can give more,” he said.

“I want to be even more ruthless in duels and stop more goals.

“I want to stamp my authority on games even more and be a crucial part of the team.”

On that moment of skill against Harrogate

Supporters may remember a moment of skill from the defender last weekend, but Kacurri admits it may not become a regular feature of his game.

“That just happened on the spot,” he laughed.

“I’m not sure it will come out again anytime soon!

“But if it’s needed, I’ll try and show a bit of skill.”

On his highlights so far

Looking back on his time at the club so far, Kacurri says the victory away at Notts County stands out.

“That was definitely a highlight,” he said.

“The away support was top and it was just a brilliant day.

“My debut was also really enjoyable as well, especially getting a win.

“Hopefully there are more moments like that to come.”

On Town’s defensive record

The Mariners have conceded among the fewest goals in the league this season, something Kacurri says reflects the team’s collective work without the ball.

“I’m not surprised to be honest,” he said.

“Even before the ball gets to our defensive third I feel really secure.

“We do a lot of things as a team to make sure we’re not vulnerable defensively.

“The way everyone runs for each other and works together makes a big difference.”

On forming a partnership with Cameron McJannet

Kacurri has often lined up alongside Cam McJannet at the heart of defence and says he has been a big help.

“It’s very nice playing with him,” he said.

“He’s very good on the ball and also very strong defensively.

“He gives me a lot of advice and he’s always talking to me during games, which is really helpful.”

On communication on the pitch

The defender believes communication is crucial in helping the back line remain organised.

“It’s very important,” he said.

“You might already have an idea of what you’re going to do, but hearing something from a teammate can help you make that decision even more.

“Cam is always talking to me, so that really helps.”

On the team spirit in the squad

Kacurri also highlighted the strong bond within the dressing room as the team prepares for the final weeks of the campaign.

“It’s a very good group,” he said.

“We all want the best for each other and we all help each other out.

“I go to the gym quite a lot and I see Cam McJannet and Darragh there quite a bit, so I’d say I’m probably probably developing a good friendship with them two.”

On the youth team’s league success

This week also saw the club’s youth team crowned North East Youth Alliance League champions, something Kacurri says is a valuable achievement for young players.

“It’s really important,” he said.

“Winning things at that age is very enjoyable and it’s part of developing as a player.

“It’s something they can say they’ve achieved, so it’s great for them.”

On facing Crewe Alexandra

Looking ahead to Saturday’s clash, Kacurri expects another demanding test in Sky Bet League Two.

“It’s a League Two game so it will be similar to what we see most weeks,” he said.

“We’ll have to fight and hold ourselves to the same high standards we set every game.

“We’ll look closely at what they do, but I’m sure we’ll be well prepared.”

On chasing a defensive record

The Mariners are also within touching distance of matching the club’s record for clean sheets in a single EFL season.

“That would be a nice little goal to hit,” Kacurri said.

“We take a lot of pride in defending and we always want that zero next to our name.

“Hopefully that gives us an extra push.”

You can watch Maldini Kacurri’s full interview with the club media below:

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