Adi Hütter: “I think we deserved to win”

Mixed after his team’s draw on the pitch at Stade de Reims (0-0), the Monegasque technician gave his first impressions of the match to the media.

A lousy result, but frustrating. Dominant during most of the match, the AS Monaco players were only able to grab a point against Stade de Reims during the 15th day of Ligue 1 (0-0). A close duel, after which Adi Hütter spoke at a press conference. Excerpts ????️

If we look at the content of this match, we missed too many chances, we have to do better on that. This can be explained by the sequence of matches, the travel even if that should not be an excuse. The team is young, we are learning a lot. Reims also had two big opportunities, including a huge one from Nakamura.

Good evening coach. How do you feel after tonight’s match?

I think we lost two points which would have allowed us to move up to second. This is why we are not satisfied with the result because we wanted to leave with victory. At kick-off, I did a big rotation with six new players compared to Arsenal to bring freshness because we had come back late. We then didn’t have much time to train and work on this three-defender system.

If we look at the content of this match, we missed too many chances, we have to do better on that. This can be explained by the sequence of matches, the travel even if that should not be an excuse. The team is young, we are learning a lot. Reims also had two big opportunities, including a huge one from Nakamura. After the defeat in London, the clean sheet is nevertheless positive, I am happy for Philipp. But looking at the big picture, I think we deserved to win.

How do you judge the current period?

If we look at the season as a whole and the year 2024, we are on target, even if we always want to do better. We are in a good position to progress to the Champions League and are tied for second with Marseille. Of course, we are ambitious and we want to win everything, that’s why we are a little disappointed with this draw. But I wouldn’t call it frustration. And if we take a closer look at the last opponents, they were also solid.

Why did you change the system and switch to three central defenders?

I always want to play flexibly, this also concerns the system and structure. It was perhaps a surprise for Reims, who did not expect us to play with three at the back. But we have the players for it, even if for me, it is above all the style of play that advocates and not the system, whether we play with two or three central defenders.

We will have to continue and continue to progress our style of play. But first, we will prepare for the last two matches of the year against Paris and Union Saint-Jean in the Coupe de France.

What are you hoping for from the second half of the season?

I expect a lot because we are very ambitious. We will have two big months in January and February with many matches to play in all three competitions if all goes well. We currently have a small group but some players will come back like Krépin Diatta. We will have to continue and continue to progress our style of play. But first, we will prepare for the last two matches of the year against Paris and Union Saint-Jean in the Coupe de France.

What can you say about George Ilenikhena’s performance?

The Reims defenders defended well on him. He’s 18 years old, it’s his first season here. We protect him and are behind him because he is a young player. He can have ups and downs, that’s normal and he learns from that to progress.