Sébastien Pocognoli: "Use this performance for the future" | OneFootball

It was with a mixture of pride and disappointment that the Monaco coach appeared at the press conference after the draw against Tottenham, a result that came despite clear domination.

They were not rewarded for all their efforts. Clearly dominant against Tottenham, on the third matchday of the Champions League, the AS Monaco players lacked a finishing touch. on their chances (0-0). It was therefore with a double-edged feeling, mixing both pride in having produced this performance, but also disappointment in only obtaining one point, that  Sébastien Pocognoli spoke in a post-match press conference. 🎙️

Some had regrets and were a little disappointed with their performance and the amount of energy they expended on the pitch. Others expressed pride in having put in a great performance and were aware that they had to use it to improve. So it was a dual feeling, which was exactly the same for me.

Good evening, coach. How do you feel after this clearly dominated match?

I first asked my players this question in the locker room to gauge their state of mind. It’s important for me to understand how they react after a match like this. Some had regrets and were a little disappointed with their performance and the amount of energy they expended on the pitch.

Others expressed pride in having put in a great performance and were aware that they had to use it to improve. So it was a dual feeling, which was exactly the same for me. To produce a match of this level against a very good opponent and to have such control over the game to create so many chances, while also getting a clean sheet, it’s a shame not to take the three points that were more than deserved.

It’s a match that can allow you to build on some very good things for the future…

Exactly. First of all, defensively, we got the clean sheet we’d been waiting for for weeks. In Angers, we were five minutes away from getting it, but we had conceded several chances, and that wasn’t the case today. In terms of chances, I only see Krépin’s fantastic job tracking back to prevent a one-on-one with the goalkeeper. It’s an action that stems from a desire to give of ourselves for the team.

A clean sheet is much harder to secure than a goal because it requires a collective mindset. Offensively, we were dangerous in between the lines or on the wings, in transition, and through counter-pressing. So, that’s satisfying; we need to build on it in the upcoming matches.

How can we explain this lack of finishing success?

It’s a combination of several factors. I think their goalkeeper was the man of the match, which means a lot. He made several magnificent saves. We mustn’t forget that the effort required is enormous in my style of play, which may explain this lack of freshness and clarity in key moments. It will come naturally as we continue to work.

On the one hand, you need a certain level of intelligence from the players, but also a clear plan in place. That's why I haven't slept much since I arrived because I'm trying to make the videos and training sessions as clear as possible without tiring my players out too much. What I'm really pleased with is Caio Henrique's repositioning during the match, as he has assimilated playing in two positions.

We noticed that Ansu Fati and Maghnes Akliouche had a lot of freedom. Is it your idea to let them express themselves in this way?

We have a lot of quality between the lines, Mamadou also brings solutions at the back in terms of creativity and infiltration. I try to use tactical discipline to provoke this creativity and not the other way around. I think Maghnes had a lot of fun, while still performing well defensively. He was smiling at the end, even though he was inevitably disappointed.

It’s in this kind of match that they can shine individually. As for Ansu, he had a good match and is starting to gain momentum. The next step is to be decisive and even more dangerous, but I’m satisfied with his attitude.

It seems like some players have already assimilated your playing system.

Yes, but it’s a give-and-take. On the one hand, you need a certain level of intelligence from the players, but also a clear plan in place. That’s why I haven’t slept much since my arrival, as I try to make the videos and training sessions as clear as possible without tiring my players out too much. What I’m really pleased with is Caio Henrique’s repositioning during the match, as he is learning two positions. It’s fantastic because it’s a new system, and he understands it very well.

Aleksandr Golovin came on as a number 6. Could this continue over time?

Golo’ can play in all three midfield positions, and even behind the striker. This system will give the players a lot of possibilities. They won’t be locked into a single position; each player can potentially play in two positions. This will allow everyone to get playing time. The substitutes also performed well. My job, starting tomorrow, is to keep everyone physically fit to find solutions and compensate for injuries.

I'd rather play like this than win 1-0 after defending the entire match without creating any chances and showing nothing positive to the players. Obviously, we'll have to make up for lost time, but given the choice, I'd rather take a lot and use it for the next five matches rather than stagnating and not moving forward in the long term.

What is your assessment after these first three matches of the competition?

From a sporting perspective, I think we’ll win much more in the long run by putting in performances like these. I’d rather play like this than win 1-0 after defending the entire match without creating any chances and showing nothing positive to the players. Obviously, we’ll have to make up for lost time, but given the choice, I’d rather take a lot and use it for the next five matches rather than stagnating and not moving forward in the long term.

What was your conversation with Folarin Balogun like when he came off?

He’s positive because he put in a good performance in terms of intensity and dedication. He did everything well, even though a striker should always try to score. I’m someone who always sees the glass half full, and a striker needs confidence. In Angers, he made the difference; today he came up against a good Vicario. We’ll continue to work with Kevin Mirallas, and I’m convinced our strikers will find the back of the net.