One point in two matches, two consecutive expulsions, a contested arbitration after the derby lost in Nice: Monaco (2nd), under pressure, hosts Angers (15th) at the opening Friday of the 10th day with the desire to vent its frustration.
It's an understatement to say that the Monegasque sports management did not appreciate their team's last two outings. Due to a lack of calm and reflection, she twice, against Lille (0-0) and Nice (1-2), shot herself in the foot.
“In Nice, we are guilty,” insists coach Adi Hütter, who brought his players together on Wednesday for “a big meeting”. “Against Lille, we played 35 minutes with one less,” he complains. Maybe we could have won, like in Nice [Monaco a joué une mi-temps à dix, ndlr]. Instead of six, we only took one point. This is reality. This is what makes me angry right now. »
“But we closed the subject,” he explains. It's the first defeat of the season and, perhaps, it's a good time to take a blow to the back of the head. »
“Not a team with breakers”
From the field, striker Breel Embolo felt the same as his coach. If he believes that Jordan Teze, sent off against Lille for a spectacular but involuntary charge on his opponent, should have “done better”, he regrets “two slightly stupid actions” in Nice, just as much as the severity of the referee.
“But we have to be a little more intelligent and manage our emotions,” says the center forward. Because playing with ten makes it more difficult. (Nice striker) Cho was smarter. Vandi (Vanderson) doesn't do much. He just tries to push him so he doesn't touch the ball. This triggered a lot of emotion on both sides. And we got punished. » Also, Embolo appreciated the important collective meeting which should allow, finally, to manage to keep his nerves. “We have to talk about it,” he insists. We try to bring out the good and the bad from each match, to speak openly and try to improve things. This aspect, the red cards, we still need to work on to be more serene, calmer and make the right decisions at the right time on the pitch. »
But Embolo warns: “We are not a team with breakers”. “It’s a bit shocking when you end up with red cards,” he insists. Because we really don't have a player who is scary, who makes big mistakes. I even find that we take a lot of hits. And that, on our other side, we are quickly punished. »
However, the Swiss international assures that this first defeat “will not depress” Monaco. “We are fully focused on Angers,” says Hütter, who is waiting for his players to control their nerves.
Angers has only lost one of the last five matches. But Hütter makes no secret of the obligation to win. “We are playing at home, we want to bounce back, get back on track,” he concludes.
