Sébastien Pocognoli: "The intensity should not vary depending on the match" | OneFootball

On the eve of the match against Toulouse at the Stade Louis-II (Saturday, 7 p.m.), the Belgian coach held a press conference, driven by the desire to achieve his first victory on the Monaco bench.

Build on a good display against Tottenham and make it a reality with a victory. Indeed, convincing against Spurs, all that was missing was a goal to allow the Rouge et Blanc to win (0-0). Determined to find it again in order to take the three points, it is with this state of mind that  Sébastien Pocognoli spoke to the press, on the eve of a visit from Toulouse (7 PM).

Lookng back at Tottenham

We analyzed the match and we’ve drew many very positive points from it. After this it’s the same as it was post-match, with a mixed set of feelings. A feeling that we could have won, so there is a bit of regret, but on the other hand, we were able to see a lot of good things in a very short time, which gives hope. The players are receptive to my style of play and sometimes, just having a good performance, even if it doesn’t get the desired result, helps. You have to keep going like that.

They had a huge burst of energy, not only in Angers, but even more so against Tottenham. That's what this new system demands. On the one hand, we have to quickly reach the required physical level, but on the other, we have to keep in mind that the matches are coming thick and fast. Communication between the players and the staff is essential to anticipate unnecessary injuries.

The team’s energy

There was good energy this week, and that’s also why we played a good game. My feeling is the same as the players’. To get to this point, there was a good exchange among us, and we have a good relationship with them, as well as with my staff. This season is about turning a new page. I certainly communicate a lot.

They had a huge burst of energy, not only in Angers, but even more so against Tottenham. That’s what this new system demands. On the one hand, we have to quickly reach the required physical level, but on the other, we have to keep in mind that the matches are coming thick and fast. Communication between the players and the staff is essential to anticipate unnecessary injuries.

His way of communicating with the players

I listen to all their requests. Communication is key for me. If they’re happy, disagree, or don’t want to do something, they have to tell me, otherwise we won’t get anything out of it. On the other hand, if I think someone’s wrong about something he doesn’t want to do, I’ll try to persuade him by putting a good structure on the field to make him realize it’s possible.

About Toulouse

I think I’m going to learn a lot this weekend because this match comes three days after the Champions League match. We’re getting back to the reality of the league, and I need answers about the fact that intensity shouldn’t vary depending on the competition. Toulouse is a team we’ve analyzed well, playing in a system we know, the 3-4-3, with a lot of good players, pace, and transitions.

We’re expecting an opportunistic team, and we know our opponent’s qualities. But for me, it’s especially important to see how the team will perform after this second home game in three days. If we play with our strengths, focus, and the right mentality, we have a chance to play a good match.

On the one hand, it requires clarity from the staff about what is required, but also intelligence and focus from the player to assimilate. He did it for two positions in this system, which is very satisfying, and it's the same for Jordan. When I said last week that this system would allow some people to apply for several positions on the field, that's the reality.

Rotation with the fixture list schedule

There are three factors to consider. The first is the players at my disposal; the second is that I’m not a coach who rotates to please others or tries things I’m not convinced about. Finally, the third is the signals the players send to earn that starting spot. If all three factors are met, then there will be rotation, but I don’t do it just to try things out.

Caio Henrique’s New Role

First of all, Caio won’t be there this weekend. As for his new position, it requires clarity from the coaching staff about what’s required, but also intelligence and focus from the player to assimilate. He’s done it for two positions in this system, which is very satisfying, and it’s the same for Jordan. When I said last week that this system would allow some people to compete for multiple positions on the field, that’s true. So they have everything to gain by adapting to this system to have more chances to play.

On Mika Biereth

The most important thing is not to make this an isolated issue. One of the big points discussed in recent weeks was the clean sheet, which we achieved in a very short space of time. Mika had a problem with his efficiency, but that was before I arrived. Now he has a new book to write, a new page to open, and Kevin Mirallas will certainly be part of that chapter. He will help him a lot, because he has the experience of a striker who has experienced moments of doubt in his career.

Things will gradually return. He also carries the burden of having scored a lot of goals in his first year here, so confirming that is a new process, but his confidence will return. He has the range to play alone up front. Where he performs best is as a fox in the box, in small spaces. Now, he also looks for spaces in depth, and he can also play with two strikers.

The attackers’ defensive work

This is essential, because I believe that pressing isn’t just about demonstrating a certain dynamic. The goal of good team pressing is to be able to win the ball back quickly and capitalize on it as soon as it’s won. You have to find the right balance between the energy expended in pressing and using the ball well when winning it back. That’s why I place a lot of importance on technical skills and tactical discipline on the pitch to always be close to the ball. It’s something I believe in enormously, and the players have embraced it.