“Be ready from the kick-off to win”

Two days before the reception of Montpellier, the Monegasque technician appeared at a press conference with the firm intention of winning to celebrate the Centenary in the best possible way.

They want to continue their unbeaten run. Joint leaders of the championship with 13 points (four wins, one draw), the AS Monaco players are having a great start to the season before hosting Montpellier (Saturday, 9pm), for the sixth day. A match also dedicated to the celebration of the Centenary that coach Adi Hütter wants to win in order to celebrate it in the best possible way. It is with this state of mind that he presented himself at the press conference. Excerpts. ????️

Defensive progress

Before the start of the season, I already answered this question by saying that we are focusing more on defensive work. The team is doing it very well at the moment and we are defending better than last year, regardless of whether we change some players in defense. It is a progression on that side, I am happy with that.

We spent time on it during the preseason, including analysis work. Now, I feel that everyone is defending better and working in the same direction. It’s not just the defenders’ job because if you look at offensive players like Eliesse or Maghnes, they are very involved in this task.

The rotation

This is the challenge of this start of the season. We knew that we were going to have a lot of matches and that there would be a significant part in the rotation. This was particularly the case on Sunday against Le Havre because we had played three days earlier. The recovery and preparation period was therefore very short. We had to fight a little after the equalizer and we could not find the keys to take the lead but the substitutes were able to make the difference.

I am very happy that George, against Barcelona, ​​or Eliesse, against Le Havre, scored to take the lead. As I told my players, it doesn’t matter if you only play five or fifteen minutes because you can still be decisive. Everyone understood that because they know the Club’s objectives this season. It is true that everyone has the capacity to play every three days but the question is mainly how. That’s why I think it’s a good idea to rotate.

Lamine Camara’s start to the season

We are very happy that Lamine is an AS Monaco player. He has already had some very good moments at the club this season, mainly away from home. He is young, so we have to give him time but he is excellent. I really like the way he plays and I am satisfied with these first two months of competition.

About Philipp Köhn

I think since Philipp has been back in goal he has done a very good job and there has been improvement in some areas. We are happy with him and we know he is there when we need him to make a save. He is developing very well.

The Centenary Match

We are happy to have the Centenary match against Montpellier. As you can imagine, celebrating the 100th anniversary of this magnificent club is a great event. Several former players and coaches will be present for the occasion. We can be proud to be part of it. We will have to be careful to be fully focused on this match. Le Havre were a good example on Sunday because we had to fight in the first half before playing better in the second. We will have to be ready on Saturday from kick-off in order to win for these celebrations.

The return of Radoslaw Majecki

He is back with the team and is fully training with Frédéric De Boever. I am also watching him to know his fitness and when he will be at 100%. We have three games coming up this week and I am fully focused on that.

The progress of Wilfried Singo

Everyone has an important place in this group. Honestly, I think he was our best defender last season but there is competition today. Mohammed for example is very strong, as is Thilo who is a key player. Christian is also very talented. We have four players in this central defender position and everyone is capable of having a positive impact and Wil’ showed it last weekend. For the next three games, we will not have the same defense.

His view of Montpellier

They will be dangerous, especially with Téji Savanier, who is for me one of the best set-piece players in the championship. He knows how to be decisive, as he was last week against Auxerre. Akor Adams is also a good striker, we will have to be careful with the transitions. We are fully focused on Montpellier because they are a good team, but if we play at our level, we should win this match.

About Breel Embolo

Balo’ and George did a good job together but I also think Breel with Balo’ or George could work as well. Breel is a very important player for us, he has experience and brings a lot of impact, he is a key player. Everyone likes him, he communicates a lot, he is a leader. For me, everyone has to show themselves ready to contribute on the pitch and perform. He is not sad but just angry about his last two games. I am sure he will come back very quickly.