Fati, Diatta and Ilenikhena's reactions after the victory against Metz | OneFootball

Moments after the victory against Metz at the Stade Louis-II (5-2), Ansu Fati, who scored twice, was in the mixed zone, accompanied by George Ilenikhena and Krépin Diatta.

It’s a victory that feels good. Determined to bounce back after defeat in Bruges, AS Monaco’s players achieved this goal thanks to a victory acquired at the end of the match against Metz (5-2). It was a prolific win which saw Ansu Fati, scorer of a double, play a main role.The striker spoke in the mixed zone to discuss this performance, along with Krépin Diatta, who had an assist, and George Ilenikhena, who scored for the second match in a row. 🎙️

Good evening, Ansu. This is a good way to start with the team!

I’m very happy with this home win. I feel very good and capable of helping the team. I’m happy to be playing football again. Since my arrival, the club has had a great plan for Paul and I, which we have followed so far. I am happy with the daily welcome and everything we have achieved in recent months. Monaco is a magnificent place, it is a pleasure to live there with my family and to go and train at the Performance Center.

That's the case every time you score a goal and contribute something to the team. Those two goals helped us win. It's a joy for me too, as a striker, to have that confidence. The coach encouraged me and told me to make the most of it. We knew it wouldn't be easy; every match is important, and after a defeat, it's even more so.

Ansu FatiOn his feelings after scoring a brace

Which goal do you prefer?

I don’t really have a preference. Both were important, and I celebrated them equally with my teammates. In any case, I’m capable of playing anywhere up front; it’s the coach who decides. I try to train well, and to do everything I can to improve my role as a goal scorer. Today, it paid off.

We could tell you were very emotional after your brace and at the end of the match…

Yes, of course. That’s the case every time you score a goal and contribute something to the team. Those two goals helped us win. It’s a joy for me too, as a striker, to have that confidence. The coach encouraged me and told me to make the most of it. We knew it wouldn’t be easy; every match is important, and after a defeat, it’s even more so. We managed to win; that was essential.

Can we talk about the start of a new phase of your career?

I don’t see it that way because every match is an opportunity to show off, that’s all. You have to live in the moment and take it one day at a time. Whatever happens, I’m very happy tonight. No one knows what the future holds. In any case, I’ll give everything I can to help the Club, my teammates, and, of course, the team.

Are you 100% physically?

I’m fine and feel good. It’s mainly about getting back into the rhythm and playing well. Then, whenever the coach gives me the opportunity, I try to give my best. That’s the only way I’ll know if I’m 100% or not.

We did the job in the second half and had a good mentality to show a better side of AS Monaco. On a personal level, I work hard every day. The club trusted me when the transfer window closed, and I'm happy to have provided an assist.

Krépin DiattaHis feelings on the match

The reaction of Krépin Diatta

Good evening, Krépin. After the defeat in Bruges, it was important to get back on track…

The match wasn’t easy, especially in the first 25 minutes when we had conceded a goal. We had to do everything we could to come back and win after the poor performance in Bruges. We did the job in the second half and had a good mentality to show a better side of AS Monaco. On a personal level, I work hard every day. The club trusted me when the transfer window closed, and I’m happy to have provided an assist.

Ansu Fati scored twice in his first few minutes. What can you say about that?

We know he has quality; he shows it every day. He’s worked hard, and it shows on the pitch. It’s beneficial for us; we’re happy to have him in our squad. I’m very happy for his brace; I repeat, he’s worked hard, so it’s well-deserved for all his efforts.

However, the defensive problems aren’t completely resolved yet…

We need to resolve them. Tonight, we scored five goals, but we need to be able to manage our defense better. We have experienced players in defense, with quality, but it’s early in the season and our reflexes aren’t optimal yet. This will happen little by little, and we’ll be there defensively, that’s for sure.

La concurrence est saine entre nous, il y a de très bons joueurs à mes côtés. Il faut se battre à l’entraînement pour gagner sa place. (La perf' d'Ansu ?) Lorsqu’il est arrivé, c’était un peu difficile. Il a su revenir fort aux entraînements, c’est quelqu’un qui travaille beaucoup, il a faim. Il se donne pour l’équipe, je suis donc très content pour lui.

The reaction of George Ilenikhena

Good evening, George. It was important to show a reaction tonight…

Of course, it was important to react after the defeat in Bruges. We responded with this 5-2 victory. I’m very happy with the team and with my goal. We have to keep it up. We didn’t give up and continued to work together to bounce back today. It’s another victory; we’re second in the table, so we’re happy.

There’s a lot of competition in your position. Is it important to seize opportunities?

Of course it is. The competition is healthy among us; there are some very good players alongside me. You have to fight in training to earn your place. (Ansu’s performance?) When he arrived, it was a bit difficult. He’s been able to come back strong in training; he’s someone who works hard, he’s hungry. He gives his all for the team, so I’m very happy for him. You can see he has that extra something; he can score, deliver good passes.