Failing to have prolific scorers, AS Monaco can rely on set pieces. With six goals scored from corners since the start of the season, the Rocher club is counting on this weapon against Benfica Lisbon, this Wednesday (9 p.m.) in the Champions League.
Second in Ligue 1 and third in the Champions League: everything seems to be going well for AS Monaco at the start of the season. And yet, the lack of effectiveness of the “numbers 9” leaves a bitter taste in the Principality. As evidenced by Breel Embolo, author of only two goals in 14 appearances this season, who is currently crystallizing tensions. Nevertheless, the Rocher club has several strings to its bow, including that of set pieces, which account for eight Monegasque goals in the 16 official matches played since the summer break.
Kehrer, main threat on corner
In Bologna, it was on the surface that Thilo Kehrer gave ASM victory at the start of the month: “I was told it was a Pippo Inzaghi-style goal, but I don't think so still be there (laughs).” The Monegasque vice-captain has, however, become a real threat with three goals scored from corners since the start of the season.
In all, Monaco registered six, and it is far from being a coincidence, recognizes Adi Hütter: “We work on them with four people: a video analyst and three of my assistants. They spend a lot of time there.” The Austrian coach justifies himself: “Set pieces represent 30% of scoring opportunities. We have a lot of dangerous players in this area: Kehrer, Singo, Salisu, Zakaria… We have this quality, so it's an element important and we work on this in training.”
“We have a lot of quality shooters”
ASM indeed has very athletic players with a good sense of timing on aerial balls, but also good shooters with whom they coordinate. Golovin, Akliouche, Ben Seghir but especially Camara and Caio Henrique are generally in charge. A valuable variety according to the Brazilian left-hander: “We are very strong on set pieces because we have a lot of quality shooters. It is important, because sometimes the matches are complicated, are closed, and on a ball, a shot frankly, we can win the match.”
Without forgetting the importance of a smaller player, often Minamino, who positions himself within six meters to disrupt the opposing goalkeeper and also demonstrate his sense of goal. “It depends on the opponent's strategy. Not all teams defend in the same way,” tempers Adi Hütter, who does not want to reveal all his cards.
“Danger can come from anywhere”
It will be necessary to be cunning this Wednesday at Louis-II to surprise the giant Anatoliy Trubin and his almost double meter in the Benfica Lisbon cage (9 p.m., 5th day of the Champions League). If he hopes for a revival of his scorers, Adi Hütter rather sees the glass half full: “The most important thing is that we have several ways of scoring. We are indeed a big threat on set pieces. Offensively we are sometimes a little unlucky, but I don't care who scores. Whether it's attackers, midfielders or defenders… It's more difficult for our opponent to defend against us, because danger can come from anywhere.”
With ten points after four matches, Monaco can strike a big blow on the fifth day and approach the last three matches against Arsenal, Aston Villa and Inter Milan more calmly. But beware: Benfica itself has scored four of its seven goals in the Champions League from set pieces. A great customer too…
