Adi Hütter: "Give my players confidence again" | OneFootball

Obviously disappointed by AS Monaco's defeat away to Lorient, as part of the 6th matchday of Ligue 1 McDonald's, the Austrian manager explained his feelings in a press conference.

It wasn’t the desired result on the Moustoir pitch this Saturday. Reduced to ten men after half an hour of play against Lorient, the Rouge et Blanc lost on Matchday 6 in Ligue 1 (3-1). It was an unfavorable and furstrating scenario that Adi Hütter tried to explain in the post-match press conference. 🎙️

Good evening, coach. What’s your analysis of this match?

It wasn’t the expected result because we wanted to win in Lorient. I think we started the match quite well, even if it’s not easy to find the right solutions against a deep block. We controlled the match in their half and sometimes didn’t try enough long-range shots, crosses, or balls behind the defense. It wasn’t enough, but finding solutions against a deep block is the hardest thing in football.

Looking back at the first 20 minutes, the three-man defense was never in danger. We also had to protect our midfield because we had five players missing in that position. The start was good; I won't call it a failure of this system. I don't want to blame my players; they did their best. What we should criticize is the fact that we conceded too many goals.

Unfortunately then we were reduced to ten men after a second yellow for Thilo Kehrer, which for me, should not have been one, since he did not touch the head of the Lorient player with his arm. What we did after that was not enough, especially during the second half. We wanted to keep two attackers on the pitch but we conceded two goals too easily and a lot of shots. Lorient deserves its victory, we did not know how to find the solutions to be a threat to them.

What can you say about playing with three at the back?

Looking back at the first 20 minutes, the three-man defense was never in danger. We also had to protect our midfield because we had five players missing in that position. We were unlucky again with the injury of Lamine Camara in training yesterday. I’m not someone who tries to make excuses, but it’s not easy for a team like ours to manage without five midfielders.

We positioned ourselves accordingly, playing Jordan Teze with two youngsters, Mamadou Coulibaly and then Pape Cabral. That’s why we wanted to try to change the face of the team by trying to remain competitive. The start was good, I won’t call this system a failure. I don’t want to blame my players; they did their best. What we should criticize is the fact that we conceded too many goals.

What’s the reason for these goals conceded since the start of the season?

I totally agree that a team like ours can’t concede so many goals. The first came from a set piece, just moments after Thilo’s sending off, and the second was conceded too easily. In the end, Lorient had 19 shots; we were put in too much trouble during the second half. We need to analyze why we’re not playing solidly enough right now.

We need to analyze this match as quickly as possible so that we can be 100% focused on Manchester City. They're one of the best teams in the world, we'll have to do our best, and maybe we'll have a chance to come away with something, but we know who we're facing. They'll be the favorites, but we'll prepare the team as best we can.

Are you worried about the match against Manchester City?

We need to analyze this match as quickly as possible so that we can be 100% focused on Manchester City. They’re one of the best teams in the world, we’ll have to do our best, and maybe we’ll have a chance to come away with something, but we know who we’re facing. They’ll be the favorites, but we’ll prepare the team as best we can.

It’s a paradox because you were first before this matchday…

We have to admit that we’re not in our best form today; everyone saw that. My job is to give my players back their confidence. In my opinion, the first 25 minutes were absolutely fine. We’ve already noticed against Le Havre and Metz that it’s difficult to play against a low block, but we can’t give our opponents as many shooting opportunities.