Sébastien Pocognoli: "We were missing too many components" | OneFootball

Clearly disappointed by the narrow defeat against Paris FC (0-1), the Monaco coach held a press conference after the match.

They were thwarted by Paris FC’s defensive block. Despite several opportunities, AS Monaco’s players were thwarted by their opponents’ clinical finishing and ultimately lost by the smallest of margins (0-1). Onbviously disappointed with this scenario, Sébastien Pocognoli gave his feelings in a post-match press conference. 🎙️

Good evening, coach. Is this a setback tonight after recent good performances?

Yes, absolutely, I wasn’t expecting it. It’s certainly part of the learning process, going through these kinds of moments. We learn a lot from this match, even though it’s tough because we were at home. We didn’t offer much. I only remember one nice team move finished by Krépin in the first half, but it was too infrequent, not enough.

Beyond the three points, our performance was insufficient. Against Toulouse, it wasn’t dazzling either, but we created some chances. Now, I’m going to learn from my team in defeat and see how we react because we have an important match on Tuesday against Bodø/Glimt.

Do you agree that AS Monaco lacked ideas in the second half?

I think we started well, with intensity and a clear vision of what we wanted to do. We were also answered the call in the duels, but we gradually ran out of steam. We lacked too many elements, like leadership; there wasn’t enough fight, we lacked a bit of fire.

It might be due to a physical tiredness, but Paris also played on Wednesday. In the second half, I gave some players the opportunity to get some minutes. These changes were made from both a tactical and physical point of view. Unfortunately, there was no impact, unlike in recent matches.

Was this one match too many after playing so much these past few weeks?

I don’t want to make excuses. As I said, I wasn’t expecting it because the team spirit was good. Naturally, it’s easier to recover after a win like the one we had in Nantes. Yesterday’s training session was conducted with discipline and focus for this match. Paris played the game they had planned away from home, with maturity, unlike us. They deserved their victory; we didn’t do what was necessary to make them doubt themselves.

Why was Kassoum Ouattara substituted at halftime?

It was a purely physical decision. There was already some discussion about it before the match because we don’t have a lot of depth in that position. His substitution was necessary even though he was playing well. Given how the game was unfolding, we wanted to find more attacking impetus and more depth. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to fully implement what we wanted to do.

You seemed less combative on the bench. Do you agree with that impression?

No, I wasn’t less combative, even though I give a lot of energy every day. As I said, I also need a two-way street, and today there was a lack of fire on the pitch and less fighting spirit. I was also expecting a bit more responsibility on the field, but I’m learning from my team. I didn’t feel any more tired than in any other match. Let’s just say I was more focused on analysis, observing attitudes and body language.

Do you feel your players had the Bodø/Glimt match in mind?

Honestly, I don’t think so. They may have dropped off physically and mentally, but I don’t think they had the Champions League match on their minds. I’m hopeful we can quickly switch gears, like we did when I arrived, against Tottenham and Nantes, where we played consistently.

My role is to push and support them in this final stretch before the international break and to give everything in the last two matches. We have an important game against Bodø in terms of points, before offering more and being more consistent in our attitude towards our fans against Lens. We’ll still need to manage their physical condition and be smart in our tactical choices, while giving them one last boost. We know the context, but I’m hopeful.