Having won five consecutive Ligue 1 matches, AS Monaco head into their crunch clash vs Olympique Lyonnais riding the crest of a wave, and they’ll be looking to extend this run vs the team sitting two places above them in fourth. Ahead of the colossal contest, Monaco coach Sébastien Pocognoli spoke to the press to preview it and more.
Squad update
Kicking things off with the usual squad update, Pocognoli shed some light on Paul Pogba, Krépin Diatta, Eric Dier and Pape Cabral.
“Krépin (Diatta) is progressing well in training, Pape (Cabral) has partially resumed training and Eric (Dier) also had a good week of training. These returns have been underway for the past two weeks. Paul (Pogba), for his part, trained with the group today, as he did earlier this week. Things are progressing as planned; we scheduled his return for this time. It’s positive to see the injured players gradually returning; some could potentially rejoin the squad in Lyon. We have another training session tomorrow with match-specific work. If all goes well, I think they’ll be cleared to be available,” he explained.
He then added some extra information on Pogba’s condition, stating: “In the short term, we’re on track with our objectives. Now, we have the opportunity for the injured players to have this international break so they can progress physically. Paul will use this time to develop and resume team training. Naturally, setting a return date for competition will depend on these two weeks. So, we’ll simply reintegrate him into the group gradually and help him rediscover the joy of playing together by sharing in the excitement of victory. That will be the first step, and then we’ll gradually bring him back into training with an intensity similar to that of matches.”
Defensive improvement
Given ASM have kept five clean sheets and only conceded three goals in their last eight league matches, it was intriguing to hear Pocognoli’s thoughts on their impressive recent defensive output.
“The foundation of this defensive success lies in our mindset. For the past few weeks, our focus has been on solidarity, and when that’s present, we can achieve defensive consistency. We’ve had good defensive results in various formations. But it’s true that we’re now more consistent in our approach to these formations, and when we achieve good results, both our defensive and offensive capabilities are enhanced,” he told the media.
“The players have also improved significantly physically. While they’re in good shape, their confidence is also high. This leads to positive things like improved communication on the pitch and a positive team spirit. Having a stable system allows us to focus on fine-tuning aspects at the start of the week, based on our recent matches. All areas of the game are functioning well, especially our attacking midfield, which is really shining.”
Lyon
Next on the agenda was his opinion on the serious threat Lyon poses and how he’s approaching this one.
“Looking at the standings, our last encounter and the fact that we’re playing away, I think Lyon has an advantage. On the other hand, we’re currently on a good run and have managed to close some of the gap. We need to approach this match with our ambitions and deal with that. (Regarding Lyon’s momentum) I have no comment on that; I’m only focused on our own performance,” insisted the Belgian.
“They’re a great club with a very good group of players and an experienced coach. They know this match could be a turning point for them, but there might also be some pressure. We’re determined to build on our previous encounters with something positive. We know we lost at home in a match where there were a lot of issues to discuss. So we want to take advantage of this opportunity to see where we stand now and do better, regardless of the series or the opponent we’re facing.”
International players
Attention then turned to Pocognoli’s take on the many players called up for the upcoming internationals and how it’s a fitting reward for their fine form.
“From a personal point of view, I’m very happy to see my players called up to the national team, especially those who had been dropped and are now back in the squad or those who are being called up for the first time. When you get this reward, it shows that the plan you had in place worked for you. So when I saw the lists come out, I was happy and proud,” acknowledged Pocognoli.
“I told them, however, to put that selection aside and focus on the Lyon match because there’s no greater satisfaction than arriving at training camp with a victory. It’s up to them to do the work this weekend and in the coming weeks to realise their World Cup dream.”
Faes and Adingra
The final topic on the docket contained discussion on how the 38-year-old manager feels new January arrivals Wout Faes and Simon Adingra have settled in.
“Wout is focused on his project at AS Monaco. He’s in good form, and a call-up to the national team would have been logical, but I don’t think it will affect him mentally. There are still many matches to play to try and earn a place in the national team this summer. That will depend on good performances,” said the former Union Saint-Gilloise.
“As for Simon, he arrived in January and has settled in well. When you arrive on loan, you either play half the time or you commit fully and plan beyond the contract. He and Wout are doing that perfectly, as if they were long-term players. This shows they want to integrate into the team, give their all for the club, and shine. It’s a win-win situation, and everyone benefits.”
Eyes on
Brimming with confidence as they prepare to tackle Lyon, this looms as a brilliant opportunity for Monaco, who have taken 20 points from the last 27 in Ligue 1 action, to further close the deficit in their quest to secure Champions League qualification come season’s end.