In the FC Kray jersey, Ilias Elouriachi enchanted fans of amateur soccer in Essen for years. Now the 32-year-old faces the Forecasting questionnaire.

Ilias Elouriachi is one of Essen’s best amateur footballers of the last decade and a legend of FC Kray. The high-class technician was instrumental in the greatest successes in Kray’s club history and once made the sensational march through to the regional league with the club.

Elouriachi played a total of 81 Regionalliga games for his home club in 14 years, 78 games in the Oberliga and 118 matches in the Landesliga (including 30 in the Niederrheinliga – the sixth-highest division until 2012) and scored 60 goals. Since 2021, the 32-year-old has laced up his boots for the Landesliga club SpVgg Steele.

“Ele” explains what his best career moment was and why he didn’t turn professional in the Forecasting Q&A.

My greatest strength is… my technique. The shot finesse, or as many also say, Elefinte.

My biggest weakness is… has always been pace.

In our dressing room… there’s always a fight at the box for the ISO drinks.

The best moment of my soccer career was… there really were a few. If I had to choose, it would be the promotion games against KFC Uerdingen, but also the two wins in one season against RWE with FC Kray.

The best goal of my career was… the two goals in the relegation match against Uerdingen (first and second leg). But to quote Ente Lippens: “I never missed a goal chance too hastily. I’ve rather wasted them.” That also applies to me (laughs).

My best teammate was… Yassine Bouchama. I have to say, I’ve played with some really great players, but I’d go for Yassine. But he also gave me a few gray hairs (laughs). For me, Yassine is like my little brother.

My best coaches were Dirk Wißel and Lars Krüger because… the successes at FC Kray can be traced back to their signature. We played attacking soccer in a 3-4-3 system, for which we were admired by many in amateur soccer in Essen. Both of them are not only world-class footballers, but also world-class people. It was great fun playing under the two of them. I also believe that Dirk and Lars would have made it into the professional game if they hadn’t been tied to their good jobs.

My worst coach was because… I’ll keep that to myself. I’m not the type to put others down.

When I was a little boy, my role model was… Ronaldinho and Zidane. They were wizards.

I didn’t become a professional footballer because… that brings us to my biggest weakness, pace. Unfortunately, I was also too injury-prone. My body is not suited to professional soccer.

The best thing about the Ruhr region is… the many football-mad people – in a positive sense.

Either, or?

Dortmund or Schalke? Clearly Dortmund.

Beer or water? As I don’t drink alcohol, water of course. But my favorite drink is Mezzo Mix.

Club or pub? Club

Natural or artificial turf? Artificial turf. I often struggle with muscle problems on natural grass.

Fighter or artist? Artist.

Cinema or Netflix? Netflix. It’s most comfortable in bed, especially at this time of year.

Soccer on TV or in the stadium? TV.

Finally, a few more questions:

Who would you like to have a beer with?

Cristiano Ronaldo. I wouldn’t have a beer with him, but maybe an apple spritzer. He really gave his all for maximum success and is the best example of how hard training pays off.

At which club did you experience the most extreme team journey – and why?

With Kray after promotion to the regional league, of course. That was a great trip. You have to have the right squad for that – and we definitely had that at the time! I say that without having drunk a drop of alcohol. What is still not clear today: Who broke Mr. Oberholz’s camera? I remain of the opinion that he tripped.

What can you laugh about?

Almost everything, actually.

My best vacation was?

In Morocco.

What is indispensable for you?

Family is essential and, along with health, really comes first.

What music do you like to listen to and what is playing in the cabin?

I actually listen to almost everything. In the cabin, our Colombian DJ Camillo usually plays RnB music. Unfortunately, young people don’t listen to hits anymore…

If you could start again, what would you do differently in your life?

I would really do everything exactly the way I’ve done it so far. I’m really very happy with everything I’ve experienced so far