Sébastien Pocognoli: "An awareness that we are expected to perform well on the road" | OneFootball

On the eve of the team's trip to Nantes (9:05 pm), for the 10th matchday of Ligue 1, the Monaco manager held a press conference, speaking of his determination to secure a second consecutive victory.

No rest for AS Monaco. After playing three matches in one week, the Rouge et Blanc travel to face FC Nantes this Wednesday (9:05 PM) for Matchday 10 of Ligue 1. On the eve of this trip, Sébastien Pocognoli spoke in a press conference, animated by the desire to pick up a second consecutive win. 🎙️

Regarding the return of injured players

To be completely transparent, we need to review today’s session and conduct a final assessment regarding certain players who are doubts, such as Caio Henrique. However, there are no major injuries to report after the Toulouse match. Yesterday, we were only two days away from the last game, so we need to see the results of this final session.

(Regarding Denis Zakaria) There is a date in mind, but we are not focused on the short term. We hope to have more concrete information before the international break so we can use this as a springboard to begin the final part of the year. Lamine Camara, on the other hand, is not yet integrated into the squad.

If we take the away game in Angers as an example, we have more quality on paper, but it's perhaps one of the most difficult due to the team's league position and the feeling that they have nothing to lose. It will certainly be the same for all away matches where we are expected to perform because we are a big club. We need to be aware of that, and that's what I'm trying to instill in the players.

On Paul Pogba

Paul is closer to returning than Denis, even though his absence was much longer. I said this week would be used to answer some more questions, and every day is part of that process. For the moment, things are going well; I expect it to be a short time before he’s back with the group. When he returns, we’ll need to work together to assess him as a player.. The Paul of Manchester United or his first period at Juventus dates back several years now.

Every player develops according to their age and experience, so we’ll have to judge him based on his background and his age. From what I can see, he still possesses the technique we know he has. The rhythm of the matches will then give us some answers to all these questions. He can be the best version of himself at AS Monaco; in any case, it will be my role to try and guide him towards that level, to try and stimulate all his qualities and his potential. It’s the same for every player, but it’s different for him. I hope to get the most out of what he has to offer us.

The team’s difficulties in away games

Again, it’s very difficult for me to judge because these are results that were achieved before I arrived. From experience, and I’m speaking more generally, it’s a very particular mindset to have away games and to go into them knowing that they might be the most difficult games of the season.

If we take, for example the trip to Angers, we have more quality on paper, but this is perhaps one of the most difficult matches given the team’s position in the table and the feeling that they have nothing to lose. It will certainly be the same for all away games where we are expected to perform at a certain level because we are a big club. We need to be aware of that, and that’s what I’m trying to instill in the players. In Angers, we played a decent match, and the players gave their all in terms of attitude and mentality.

The attacking system

My playing system is adaptable. If we look at what I did at Union Saint-Gilloise, we started with a 3-5-2 formation, then switched to a 3-4-3 with two number 10s or two strikers positioned high up the pitch. We also played a diamond formation, so we used it in all sorts of ways, both offensively and defensively, depending on the importance of the match. It’s perfectly possible to play with two strikers. But again, all of this is decided based on what I see on the pitch, the players’ qualities, and how well they complement each other.

Regarding a hierarchy, I’ve just arrived, and the idea was to understand what each person could contribute and improve in the future. It’s therefore too early to discuss it because I still believe that Mika, Balo and George will each have a big role to play. There’s absolutely no reason for them to doubt themselves because they’ve each had their moment to play, and that will be the case again this week and next. They simply need to play with confidence because I have complete faith in them. We also had doubts about our defense, and they answered the call. There have been some good things individually and I think our forwards have also been showing us some positives since my arrival here.

Finding the right balance between continuity and fitness

Maintaining continuity is very difficult because I’ve only just arrived. The process was to see everyone in the three matches, while maintaining a logical approach. During these ten days, everyone played, except for Lucas Michal, who was returning from the U20 World Cup, and Paris Brunner, who deserved to get some minutes. Everyone was therefore included; for example, this is why George and Pape came on against Toulouse. All of this is influenced by the available players, injuries, returning players, and their physical condition.

I can’t field the same team three times in the same week. Seeing all my players will give me answers for the future. We also need to try as much as possible to combine continuity, the game plan, and physical conditioning. Once we have a solid team that’s physically ready to play every three days, we’ll keep a core group in the starting XI, which will vary depending on the opponent.

So it's positive, even if there's a huge amount of room for improvement. Right now, we're playing every three days, so we don't have much time to work, but I'm using the matches to get as many answers as possible. When the injured players return, we'll face a second challenge: integrating them into the team dynamic. I hope we can see this at all levels soon, but we still need time.

The team’s playing identity

For me, it’s already clear. There’s a scale of what we see and how it will develop, but I think it’s already visible through the players’ dedication on the pitch and the structure. In our last two matches, the opposing goalkeeper was named man of the match, which means we’ve been able to create chances in such a short period. We’ve also become more solid thanks to a good structure. I see players who are working hard to maintain it.

So it’s positive, even if there’s a huge amount of room for improvement. Right now, we’re playing every three days, so we don’t have much time to work, but I’m using the matches to get as many answers as possible. When the injured players return, we’ll face a second challenge: integrating them into the team dynamic. I hope we can see this at all levels soon, but we still need time.

Regarding the plays he liked:

There are three plays that stand out for me. First, the goal scored against Angers because it stemmed from a collective press leading to a transition. We certainly had many moments with the ball against Tottenham where, if you analyze the structure, it was very clear and perfectly executed within the game plan. In that same match, there was also Mohammed‘s defensive recovery alongside Krépin. Beyond what that represents, it shows a great desire to work for his teammates.

Finally, against Toulouse, I think Ansu made an 80-meter defensive spring, which shows that the creative players are eager to work for the team. We also managed to score from a set piece that we had practiced in training. All these things give me satisfaction, and I certainly see them more than you do because I know what we’re trying to implement.

Regarding the intensity of training:

It’s necessary because if I set a training intensity that doesn’t match what I demand in matches, I won’t be credible in the eyes of my players. I try to find the right balance because I don’t want to see them tired during games. That’s why preseason training is so important, to instill these foundations and this mental game plan in the players. We’ll try to make up for it in other ways, and as quickly as possible.

When I arrive at a club with my ideas, certain profiles inevitably stand out, both out of necessity and for their quality. Kassoum fits both bills, and he's already played almost half the amount of time he did last season. This is a learning experience for him and proof that the staff believes in him. He certainly still has things to improve, but he's attentive, well-mannered, and eager to progress. These are important qualities for me.

About FC Nantes

They’re a good team with a new coach, Luis Castro, who promotes a fairly positive style of football. While he certainly plays a direct game, he doesn’t hesitate to ask his players to play out from the back. Playing in Nantes isn’t the easiest away game, and the players are aware of that. If we play to our strengths, we have every chance. They also have a lot of individual talent, so it will be a high-intensity match. We’ve analyzed them well, and we’ll try to counter them.

I also know that it’s a popular club with a great history and a strong institution, trying to get back to where they deserve to be, which is at the top of French football. They play in a stadium with lots of fans and a great atmosphere, and I’m looking forward to being there tomorrow because it’s one of the best away games in Ligue 1. That’s also why I came.

On Kassoum Ouattara

When I arrive at a club with my ideas, certain profiles inevitably stand out, both out of necessity and for their quality. Kassoum fits both bills, and he’s already played almost half the amount of time he did last season. This is a learning experience for him and proof that the staff believes in him. He certainly still has things to improve, but he’s attentive, well-mannered, and eager to progress. These are important qualities for me.

(On his experience in this position) I can certainly help him, and I’m happy he provided a beautiful assist with his left foot; it brings back fond memories. He has everything it takes to be a good wing-back in this system, even if he still needs to work on his work rate, just like Krépin, Caio, or Vandi. These are normal aspects of this system because it’s the most difficult position to master.