Reactions from Bamba, Balogun and Adingra after the win over Angers | OneFootball

The French midfielder, the American striker and the Ivorian winger were pleased to appear in the mixed zone after the fine victory against Angers at the Stade Louis-II (2-0).

They’re on a roll in the league! Dominant and efficient, the AS Monaco players picked up an important win over Angers (2-0). A few moments after the match, they were therefore understandably satisfied.’Aladji Bamba, Folarin Balogun and Simon Adingra spoke in the mixed zone 🎙️

Good evening Aladji. We imagine you’re very satisfied after this victory?

Frankly, we knew we’d played two big matches in the Champions League, both home and away against Paris, so it was important to come back to the league with a win against Angers. It’s true it was tough, but we knew that without conceding, we could score at any moment with the qualities we have, so we’re very happy.

What ultimately tipped the scales?

First and foremost, Philippe Köhn’s save was a decisive moment. Keeping a clean sheet was crucial in this match. He made the necessary save, and we congratulate him for it. As for Simon, he’s an important player. In one-on-one situations, he’s very strong, and when I give him the ball, I have complete confidence because he can make a difference at any moment, and he showed that once again today.

We see you as being capable of playing between the lines, but also more involved in duels. Do you feel this progression?

I feel good. I have a lot of experienced players around me; they give me advice and confidence. I was developed here, I’ve always loved this club, so I feel comfortable. With the matches and playing regularly, I have more energy to put in the effort. I can be involved in duels as well as between the lines; it’s not a problem for me.

I'm a young player, so everyone in the locker room talks to me: Thilo Kehrer, Denis Zakaria, Lamine Camara, even if he is young as well. Eric Dier also gives me a lot of advice, so I take everything he gives me.

Aladji BambaOn the advice he receives from senior players

I started playing at the beginning of the season, then I got injured. It took me a while to come back, but I kept working and I’m maintaining that level of performance. I have confidence in myself, and on the pitch, I try to repay the coach’s faith. I’m a young player, so everyone in the locker room talks to me: Thilo Kehrer, Denis Zakaria, Lamine Camara, even if he is young as well. Eric Dier also gives me a lot of advice, so I take everything he gives me.

AS Monaco is now just three points off the top four. What’s the objective?

We want to finish the season strong and secure a European spot. That’s what the club deserves, and what we deserve too, because we work hard every day, even though there have been some difficult periods. Our next match is at the Parc des Princes, and we’re going there to win, feeling confident after our last two Champions League matches. We want to show that we can claim that European place.

Folarin Balogun’s reaction

Good evening Folarin. After the match against Paris, was it important to win tonight?

Yes, against Paris, we were disappointed with the result. We had two good performances and deserved more, so the focus was on reacting, and today it was a good reaction. Now, the goal is simply to try and win the next matches. I think we’re just focusing on ourselves, trying to make the right choices in each match and having the right mindset.

That’s your fourth goal in four games. Are you feeling in great form right now?

I feel good, but I’m always focused on trying to improve, so I’m just trying to stay focused on the next game, help the team, and cause problems for the defense. That’s also the mentality the coach wants us to have: to fight, show passion, and hunger! I also want to repay the faith the coach has shown in me.

A word about Simon Adingra. Do you think he changed the game?

He’s a fantastic player. It’s not easy to arrive at a new club and adapt so quickly, but I think that with three goals and an assist in the Champions League against Paris, he really helped us by bringing a different dimension to our team, so I’m happy he’s here!

This is my third season in Monaco, so it's natural that I take on a bigger role to try and help the new players who are arriving here. If that means I have to try and help some other players, then I will.

Folarin BalogunOn his role as a leader

Do you feel like a leader on this team?

This is my third season in Monaco, so it’s natural that I take on a bigger role to try and help the new players who are arriving here. If that means I have to try and help some other players, then I will.

Simon Adingra’s reactions

Good evening, Simon. Do you feel you made a decisive impact when you came on?

Yes, I think I brought a bit of dynamism to the game. Fortunately, after I came on, we were able to score both goals. For the second one, I received a great ball from Golo, I cut inside and curled the ball in – it’s kind of my signature move! I like that way, when I cut inside onto my right foot and find that area. I think I’m lucky to be in a good squad. The team has welcomed me warmly, both on and off the pitch, and they’re really helping me build my confidence.

Often, as a wing-back, when you have the ball, you need to be in the box for the second ball. You start from a deeper position as a wing-back, so you might not always be in the perfect position up front. The coach uses me in various positions. I started as a wing-back last time against Lens. I’ve also played as a number 10, as a false nine, a second striker, and I adapt; I like it.