Satisfied to have qualified for the round of 16 of the Coupe de France against Union Saint-Jean (1-4), the Monegasque goalkeeper and striker delivered their analysis of the match in the mixed zone.
A victory to end the year well. At the end of a match where it was necessary to show seriousness and concentration, the Monegasques won against L'Union Saint-Jean (1-4), for their entry into contention in the Coupe de France, and thus validated their ticket for the 16th final. A qualification that Yann Lienard and George Ilenikhena mentioned to the media. Excerpts ????️
Good evening Yann. What were the coach's instructions today?
He really insisted on the seriousness that we had to have during this meeting, as well as on the speed to be used against this L'Union Saint-Jean team. This is what we were able to do, showing seriousness and respect. We could also have made the score worse, but overall it was good!
Yes, we were keen to respect the opponent, because we wanted to win this match. This is what we did so the team is very happy. We tried to create as many chances as possible and score as many goals as possible.
George IlenikhenaOn the meeting
Tell us about your performance for your professional debut…
I am happy to have been able to participate in this victory, notably with this save at the end of the first period. I think it made it easier for the team because it was a well-timed save, at 2-0.
In a team like AS Monaco, you have to know how to stay focused because the chances are rare against us. It's a great team that plays at the top of the table in Ligue 1, it has to concede few offensives, so you have to know how to always be vigilant to be decisive when necessary.
How did you manage your defense?
I have no problem communicating with players like Thilo (Kehrer), Wilfried (Singo) or Mohammed (Salisu), who are playing in the Champions League. I meet them every day in training, and they themselves are demanding, because if I don't command them, perhaps they will have difficulty placing themselves in a situation where they will need me. I did my job putting them back together and communicating with them and I think it worked well today.
Even if there were missed opportunities, the score at the end of the match shows that we were serious. We knew it was going to be a difficult match, against a team that plays in a low, somewhat tight block. We wanted to end the year on a good note.
George IlenikhenaOn the scenario
George Ilenikhena's reaction
Good evening George. You were serious today…
We were keen to respect the opponent, because we wanted to win this match. That's what we did, so the team is very happy. We tried to create as many chances as possible and score as many goals as possible.
Even if there were missed opportunities, the score at the end of the match shows that we were serious. We knew it was going to be a difficult match, against a team that plays in a low, somewhat tight block. We wanted to end the year on a good note.
How did you find L’Union Saint-Jean?
The goalkeeper made some great saves, he saved two penalties, it’s huge! I also have an opportunity which he diverts. He had a great match, he's a good goalkeeper. But the players also managed to get the ball out well at times, which surprised us. It's a good team, which knew how to play ball.
