Monaco Primed for Brest Showdown After PSG Triumph
AS Monaco is gearing up for a crucial clash against Brest following their recent success over Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The team secured a narrow 1-0 victory at the Stade Louis-II, which has spurred them on as they prepare for this challenging away match.
Upcoming Match: Monaco vs. Brest
The match is scheduled for Friday evening at the Stade Francis-Le Blé. Monaco’s coach, Sébastien Pocognoli, is optimistic after the PSG win and emphasized the importance of capitalizing on this momentum.
Paul Pogba’s Return
A key focus is Paul Pogba’s gradual reintegration into the squad. Pocognoli praised Pogba’s dedication during training and his recent performance against PSG. He stated, “He’s been training non-stop. There’s still some work to do on his base fitness, but everything is going well.” The coach plans to increase Pogba’s playing time only as he demonstrates readiness, ensuring team cohesion remains the priority.
Importance of Aleksandr Golovin
Pocognoli also highlighted Aleksandr Golovin’s role within the team. The midfielder has been a consistent performer, having played for Monaco for seven years. “If he can consistently showcase his qualities, we’ll have a truly top-level player,” Pocognoli mentioned, expressing confidence in Golovin’s capabilities to contribute significantly to the upcoming matches.
Golovin’s Assessment of Brest
Golovin, who provided the assist for the winning goal against PSG, shared insights on facing Brest. He noted the historical challenges of playing there, emphasizing the need for utmost focus. “To win, we’ll need to be at 100%. If we’re only at 95%, we won’t win,” he stated, underscoring the commitment required for the match.
Club Management’s Support
Golovin remarked on President Dmitry Rybolovlev’s regular interactions with the team, stating that his presence is crucial during both challenging and successful times. Frequent meetings with the president are essential, showing a strong commitment to team morale.
Set Pieces and Team Structure
Pocognoli addressed the importance of set pieces in match strategy, mentioning Artur Kopyt and Abel Lorincz as specialists in attacking and defending set pieces, respectively. He stressed that effective communication is vital for improving their execution.
Defensive Strategy
The discussion also touched on the team’s defensive approach. Pocognoli expressed the need for flexibility in formations, acknowledging previous struggles but emphasizing the importance of maintaining core principles regardless of the setup.
With confidence high after the PSG victory, Monaco aims to replicate this performance against Brest. Pocognoli expressed the need to maintain their playing style and mentality, insisting that teamwork will be pivotal on this challenging away trip.
- Match Details: AS Monaco vs. Brest
- Date: Friday evening
- Location: Stade Francis-Le Blé, Brest
Monaco stands ready to take on this next challenge, looking to build on their recent success and secure another vital win in Ligue 1.