George Ilenikhena: "We were able to refine our playing style during the break." | OneFootball

Before facing Stade Rennais this Saturday evening at Roazhon Park (7pm), for the resumption of Ligue 1 McDonald’s, the Monaco striker spoke to the media.

Moving forward. Beaten by Lens at home just before the November international break, the players of AS Monaco are keen to get back to winning ways in the league. So it was with the desire to get a result in Rennes this Saturday on the occasion of the 13th matchday (kick-off 7pm), that George Ilenikhena spoke at a press conference.🎙️

On the work done over the break

We were able to work well on key points despite several players being on international duty. Since the coach arrived, we haven’t had much time for that, and it will help us in the upcoming matches. Offensively and defensively, we’ve refined our style of play.

The absence of Folarin Balogun this weekend

I’m ready, I work every day to be in top form when the coach calls on me. This weekend, Balo’ is suspended, so the coach will decide between Mika Biereth and myself. Competition is good and healthy, in any case I’m ready for it.

Regarding his status

My goal is also to shed this “super sub” label and help the team as a starter at least as well as I do when I come off the bench. This involves daily practice, training, and really showing the coach that I want to start a match and do what I know how to do on the pitch. I prefer starting a match on the pitch rather than on the bench, but for now, I have this role, and I will continue to improve so I can have a different one in the future.

The contributions of Kevin Mirallas

Kevin  helps us as strikers a lot. During training, he’s often behind us, encouraging us. At the end of the session, we do a lot of work in front of goal, and he doesn’t hesitate to give advice on how to position ourselves in relation to the ball. He also adapts to our future opponent and has us do video sessions to make the right movements on the pitch.

Not getting a lot of playing time helps me develop mentally, to want to do even more so the coach calls on me. This mentality helps me a lot every day because it allows me to stay focused on my work.

His start to the season

It’s giving me a lot of experience. I see things from the perspective of a young player, and not getting a lot of playing time also helps me develop mentally, to want to do even more so the coach calls on me. This mentality helps me a lot every day because it allows me to stay focused on my work.

They're a contender for European places, and this will be a very good Ligue 1 match, but we're preparing for this game like any other. They're a very good team with a lot of young players, like us. I often watch their matches and we're ready.

A special match against Rennes

They’re a contender for European places, and this will be a very good Ligue 1 match, but we’re preparing for this game like any other. They’re a very good team with a lot of young players, like us. I often watch their matches and we’re ready.

Paul Pogba’s form

Paul is very hungry; you can see he’s eager to play and get back on the pitch quickly after this long absence. He still has his technique and passing ability, which he hasn’t lost. He settles play like before and helps us youngsters a lot. Have I scored any goals from his assists in training? A few, yes (smiles).

His goal against FC Barcelona last season

Yes, it’s one of the best goals I’ve scored since I arrived. I hope many more will follow. The Champions League has a special flavor; it’s the biggest European competition, and every player wants to shine in these matches.