Satisfied with the three points brought back by his team against Le Havre at the Stade Louis-II (3-1), the Monegasque technician shared his analysis in the post-match press conference.
A success and the status of co-leader in the pocket! By patiently winning a fourth victory this season in Ligue 1 against HAC (3-1), AS Monaco did the job, three days after its triumph against Barça in the Champions League. A victory that Adi Hütter hailed after the match in front of the media. Excerpts ????️
Hello coach. What do you remember from this victory today?
First of all, I am very happy with this new success, which was very important for me. Even more so with yesterday’s result (PSG draw, editor’s note)! Of course, it wasn’t our best performance today, because we struggled a lot in the first half with this draw at half-time. But it was normal after Barcelona, and in the end I am especially happy to take the three points, it is very satisfying.
The entry of Eliesse Ben Seghir seems to have made the difference…
We actually decided to make two changes at half-time, and in particular to bring on Eliesse, who is in great form at the moment. He scored a fantastic goal! But more generally, we were much better than in the first half, with more aggression and intensity. We managed to score twice in the space of a few minutes, and that illustrates our style of play, which is very offensive.
I think that after the opening goal, we were too passive, and Le Havre were more in our part of the field. We ended up conceding this goal on a corner. At half-time we needed a good discussion and a change. The most important thing is that we saw a different team in the second half.
Adi HütterOn the first period
Special mention for Eliesse, who scored a very important goal today. He had a great Olympic Games, then he came back very motivated to the Club. When we watch his game against Barcelona, he not only brings offensively, but also does a great job defensively. Last year he suffered a lot from his absence with his two injuries, but today he is alive again.
How do you explain the difference between the two halves?
It’s not easy to analyse it. I think that after the opening goal, we were too passive, and Le Havre were more in our part of the field. We ended up conceding this goal on a corner. At half-time we needed a good discussion and a change. The most important thing is that we saw a different team in the second half. It’s never easy to start again after the Champions League, so I want to congratulate my team.
How do you manage competition in this group?
We said it at the beginning of the season, with the championship and the European Cup, it is necessary to rotate. We believe in each of our players and know that they can all be decisive. It doesn’t matter if you start the match, play 15 minutes or come on at half-time.
The group knows it, and our young players like Maghnes Akliouche or Eliesse Ben Seghir understand these decisions. We have to be careful about stupid injuries due to the sequence, and that’s my job as a coach.
What did you think of Folarin Balogun’s performance?
It’s been a long time since he scored at home, it was against Marseille if I remember correctly a year ago. I think Balo’ has freed himself from a weight, he must have felt something special. He’s a player who helps us a lot in the game, so I’m very happy for him.
We have only played five league games so far, even though 13 points is a very good start. Today it was important to win. I still want to congratulate Le Havre, who played a good game and justified the six points they have already taken.
Adi HütterAbout the start of the season
Do you think you can be competitive on both counts this season?
First of all, I must remind you that we are an ambitious club! And obviously we are competitive. But we have only played five league games so far, even if 13 points is a very good start. Today it was important to win. I still want to congratulate Le Havre, who played a good game and justified the six points they have already taken.
How did you find the Ilenikhena-Balogun duo?
They showed us during the preparation that they are capable of playing together and finding each other well. Breel Embolo also has the ability to play with one of the two, but it is important to keep everyone in good shape. Today, it was the right decision to start with two forwards, even if we also play very well with one striker. I was satisfied with their work.
A final word about Jordan Teze, today’s scorer…
It was only his second game in the starting eleven, after Lens. I’m happy for him that he scored, because when you’re new and you arrive at a new club, it’s never easy. It’s good to show straight away that you’re a good player, and he was in the right place to score the first goal of the game. He needs some more time to be in his best form, but he had a pretty good game.
