Champions League: AS Monaco faces crucial contest with Galatasaray

On the eve of a crucial clash against Turkish club Galatasaray, Sébastien Pocognoli and Thilo Kehrer shared their thoughts at the pre-match press conference.

This Tuesday evening, AS Monaco is playing for far more than just three league points. Facing Galatasaray at the Stade Louis-II (9 pm), the Red and Whites are fighting for their European future, hoping to take another step toward the Champions League playoffs. Pocognoli and Kehrer spoke with ambition and determination on the challenge that awaits.

Fans wanting results

As 2025 draws to a close, the club from the Principality finds itself at a pivotal moment in its season. Despite the recent victory over Paris Saint-Germain, a run of mixed results in recent weeks has stirred discontent among Monaco supporters. That frustration was expressed by some fans in a statement released on Monday morning. The Belgian manager has clearly taken note of the message and is approaching the situation with clarity and commitment ahead of the match against Galatasaray.

“When results are less than ideal, it’s normal to have dissatisfaction. We have to live with it and, above all, rebuild confidence! The only way to do that is to deliver strong performances, combined with a positive mindset,” said Pocognoli. Kehrer, returning from suspension for this match, also acknowledged the criticism. “We ourselves are not satisfied with the results. We have to stay positive, work hard and be united as players and staff to get through this period,” the German defender stated.

A step to take

Despite the turbulence, the Monaco coach preferred to focus on the opportunity this match against the Turks presents. “I always see the glass as half full, and tomorrow we have the chance to take a significant step towards our objectives,” he insisted.

The game vs Galatasaray is part of a vital run of fixtures, which also includes hosting Olympique de Marseille in the league this Sunday and a French Cup round of 32 tie against Auxerre before the winter break. These three contests provide the perfect chance to regain momentum and realign with the club’s initial ambitions.

Increased demands on technical leaders

When questioned about Maghnes Akliouche’s performances, Pocognoli called on his attacking midfielder to be more consistent. “We ask our technical leaders to take the initiative, and it’s clear they’re capable of doing so in some matches. But they need more consistency,” explained the boss, who nevertheless noted that the squad’s instability isn’t helping the players find their footing.

Defensively, Kehrer emphasised the importance of a collective effort to recapture the solidity that has faltered in recent weeks. “Defending and keeping a clean sheet is always a collective discipline! It’s not just the defenders who do all the work, but the whole team, from the attackers to the goalkeeper,” the experienced stopper stressed.

An update on the squad

Galatasaray arrives at the Stade Louis-II with similar hopes. Pocognoli is wary of the Istanbul club and expects an open match. “It will be a very high-level match against this team, with great intensity. Galatasaray has many talented individuals and a good team spirit, just like us,” he analysed.

Good news for Monaco: Kehrer and Denis Zakaria will come back after serving their suspensions. Folarin Balogun was scheduled to undergo a fitness test on Monday. However, Eric Dier and Christian Mawissa, who resumed training on Sunday, will not be available. Krépin Diatta is not registered on the European squad list, and Ansu Fati remains sidelined with injury. Regarding Paul Pogba, Pocognoli confirmed that the World Cup winner is continuing his gradual return to fitness to increase his playing time.

Faced with mounting pressure, Monaco is counting on the support of the entire institution to turn things around. “Everyone wants one thing: to see Monaco perform well! That includes the President, who is here, as well as Thiago, Carlos, the players and the staff,” concluded Pocognoli, who is determined to get back to winning ways in front of their home crowd.