Obviously disappointed to only bring home a point from Croatia’s draw, despite a two-goal deficit at the start of the last quarter of an hour, the three Monegasque midfielders stopped in the mixed zone to share their analysis.
They gave everything to come back to level with Dinamo. Still trailing by two goals 16 minutes from the end of regulation time, the AS Monaco players did their best to snatch a point from their perilous trip to Zagreb (2-2). It is therefore to give their feelings about this match played in special conditions that Eliesse Ben Seghir, Krépin Diatta and Denis Zakaria stopped in front of the media. Excerpts ????️
Good evening Eliesse. Can we say that AS Monaco is saved from the waters this evening?
Yes, we can say that, but above all we were able to show our strength of character! This is the second time in a few days (after Montpellier, editor’s note) that we have managed to make the difference in the last minutes, and I am very happy about it. It’s not a bad result, we have to take this point and move forward. These are situations that will make us grow, since each difficulty helps us to become better.
Usually we play a direct and fast game with a lot of combinations, whether by dribbling, passing or doubling passes. We had to use more of the long game this evening and focus on the second balls.
Elisse Ben SeghirAbout playing conditions
Did you quickly realize that it was going to be complicated to use your technique tonight?
Already watching the match from the outside, from the bench, I could see that it was difficult. But when I got home, I realized it more. Afterwards the conditions were difficult for both teams, even if they are perhaps more used to it than us. That’s how it is, it’s part of the Champions League, you have to deal with it.
How did you have to adapt to these conditions?
Usually we play a direct and fast game with a lot of combinations, whether by dribbling, passing or doubling passes. We had to use more of the long game this evening and focus on the second balls. It’s not necessarily in our register, but sometimes you have to know how to adapt, because it’s football.
What were the coach’s instructions for you?
He told me to bring what I could, even if in conditions like these, it’s not necessarily my profile that will help the team the most. In any case, I tried to do my best to be dangerous and get fouls.
Finally, you who know Maghnes Akliouche well, what must he still do to reach the France A Team?
For me, he already has the level to be called up, he’s a very good player! It’s only a question of choice but, because if he continues like this by becoming even more regular, he will very quickly go to Blue. But I say it again, he already has the level to join the group. We have a lot of similarities between us, as if we were brothers. In any case, I’m very happy to play with him, because we get along well on and off the pitch.
Krépin Diatta’s reaction
Good evening Krépin. How do you feel after this draw?
It’s a difficult match where we manage to take a point. We have to remember the positive, because we have four points in two games, so we are on the right track. As you have seen in our game since the arrival of the coach, we have a fluid style.
Of course, it’s a point to take, because coming back from 0-2 to 2-2 in these conditions, not everyone is capable of it. For me, it’s a very good point for the future, it’s up to us to continue in this way and win the third game.
Krepin DiattaAbout the draw point
Today, we couldn’t have this fluidity because the lawn was waterlogged. It was not ideal conditions for our football. But the state of mind is to be commended this evening, because everyone gave everything to come back to the score.
This is a point that can count for the rest of the competition…
Of course, it’s a point to take, because coming back from 0-2 to 2-2 in these conditions, not everyone is capable of it. For me, it’s a very good point for the future, it’s up to us to continue in this way and win the third game.
The two goals conceded came from a long ball. Can this be useful to you for the future?
I think we’re going to have to revisit all of that. From a distance, I wasn’t able to see the two actions very well, but we’re going to discuss them together. The coach will talk about it, we are still a young team and if there are points to review, we will improve them in the future so as not to repeat the same mistakes.
This makes two games in a row where AS Monaco gets out of a difficult situation at the end of the match. What can stop you?
Above all, we must remain calm and humble. We must not worry because the championship is still long. We have to continue like this because all the players want to give everything and take this team to where it needs to be. The most important thing is to stay focused. But I have no doubts about that, because we have the mentality to continue working.
What else does AS Monaco have this season compared to previous ones?
The mentality of the team, because we have reached a point where we want to win everything. I think it’s positive! Now, it is not enough to say it, but it must also be shown, as is the case at the start of the season. We have to take the matches one after the other and give our best.
I concentrated on getting it right, and it did. I shoot them quite a bit in practice, and I knew I was going to be the shooter, so I took responsibility.
Denis ZakariaAbout his penalty
Denis Zakaria’s reaction
Good evening Denis. How did you feel about this penalty?
A bit of pressure to be honest, even if I didn’t calculate the wall of supporters in front of me (smile)! I concentrated on getting it right, and it did. I shoot them quite a bit in practice, and I knew I was going to be the shooter, so I took responsibility.
I managed to pull it well, I knew I had to lift it, so I’m happy. The shape of my life? I don’t think so, although I feel good, and I hope it continues like this.
What can we learn from this point taken in Zagreb?
It was an important point to take, so I’m glad I put it in and was able to help the team. It wasn’t easy, because when we arrived, we came here with the intention of taking three points. But when you’re down 2-0 15 minutes from time, in the end you’re happy to take the draw. We have to work on what wasn’t in this match and come back better.
What exactly didn’t work well?
With this pitch, it was already difficult to develop our game. We tried to play, but it didn’t work and we didn’t create many chances, and we weren’t able to be effective. There is also this goal before half-time which gives us a headache. But I think we must above all remember the fact that we managed to come back two goals to save a point.
Does the mentality shown tonight to come back send a message that you are not giving up?
We are a team that always tries to move forward and gain points, so we never give up and we always want to win! We don’t have a fixation on remaining undefeated, we just take the matches one after the other and try to win as many as possible.
