Sébastien Pocognoli: "We lacked precision in both penalty areas." | OneFootball

Very disappointed by the result of the match despite overall dominance, the Monaco coach attempted to analyze the defeat against FC Lorient (1-3) in the post-match press conference.

They were subject to the cold realism of the Bretons. Despite a good start marked by several chances and after an equalizer by Ansu Fati, the players of AS Monaco couldn’t avoid defeat to FC Lorient at the Stade Louis-II (1-3). It was a disappointing result for this 18th matchday of Ligue 1 McDonald’s, and one that Sébastien Pocognoli remarked on after the match. 🎙️

Good evening, coach. Does this defeat hurt particularly badly?

Defeats always hurt. Regarding this one, the first half was very disappointing, considering the work we put in this week, the feeling we had going into the game, and the fact that we’re starting the second half of the season. We thought we had everything to gain, and in the end, the result and the points are the same as before, so it’s disappointing.

It was better in the second half, particularly in our pressing, which led to our equalizer. But even though we controlled the second half better, we paradoxically conceded goals from Lorient's only three chances, so we clearly lacked precision and quality in both penalty areas at key moments.

What was lacking from your players tonight?

We weren’t brave enough with the ball in the first half, because against a deep defensive block, you need to have the desire to break through the lines, to push forward, and to create opportunities. We had worked on this during the week, so it was disappointing. And without the ball, we didn’t have the necessary impact in our high press. It was better in the second half, particularly in our pressing, which led to our equalizer. But even though we controlled the second half better, we paradoxically conceded goals from Lorient’s only three chances, so we clearly lacked precision and quality in both penalty areas at key moments.

How can we correct these mistakes?

We know we have a squad with players returning from injuries, others who have just arrived, etc. I’m trying to find answers to these questions week after week, without making excuses, but it’s clear that our options for applying pressure through competition are limited because the squad itself is small. We need to continue working, encouraging the players to improve, and pushing those returning from injuries to get back up to speed and regain their fitness level.

How can we reverse this trend?

We are inevitably judged on our results. The current situation is due to many factors, although I think I will also be judged on how I manage this difficult period. We need to calmly analyze why this negative spiral is occurring despite the work we’ve put in, even though I feel like I’m giving more than my all every day. Managing this requires certain qualities, especially considering we have a small squad and that we need to continue to motivate the team and work on the mental aspect. I will continue to push and support my players, even though more is expected of some of them. In any case, giving up would not be a solution for me or for the club in general.

We'll see if it's the best way to bounce back, but in any case, tonight's result isn't the best way to prepare for that match. What's certain is that we've already proven in big Champions League and Ligue 1 matches that we're capable of rising to the occasion

Are your players being overcome by fear?

It’s difficult to say, because we still managed to react and get back on the scoreboard, but then we conceded a goal within ten minutes, and naturally, that gives you the feeling that it’s going to be very difficult to get back into the game. This is something that can develop over the course of the season with poor results, but then you have to analyze why, so you don’t fall into a completely negative mindset. In any case, it’s clear that mental strength and morale are being tested during a period like this. Is there doubt? The watchword today was precisely to play with courage and change the dynamic. We had done everything this week to encourage this, but in the first half, it wasn’t enough.

Is the match against Real Madrid a good thing after all?

We’ll see if it’s the best way to bounce back, but in any case, tonight’s result isn’t the best way to prepare for that match. What’s certain is that we’ve already proven in big Champions League and Ligue 1 matches that we’re capable of rising to the occasion. If we want to bounce back, we have to be able to do it this Tuesday. This is certainly a great opportunity to represent the club and to achieve something positive. It’s in everyone’s best interest, both collectively and individually, to perform at our best and turn things around.

Do you still think you can try things to reverse the trend?

We are indeed trying things to find solutions, even though we don’t have a very large squad. The system of play currently in place is based on what we can do best with the available players. It worked well at times, and today I don’t see what we could have done differently in terms of the system. It came down to playing with a high defensive line, showing courage on the ball, and demonstrating intensity in winning second balls. Things improved in the second half, and we were able to create chances, but we have to adapt to the strengths of our players to put them in the best possible position.

How can your players turn things around against Real Madrid?

There are four days left to prepare, and we’ll need to have a positive approach. Ultimately, it’s up to them to decide how to make this happen. A lack of confidence is one thing, but when you have an environment that fosters it every day, a staff and a coach who try to remain objective about the situation, then it’s up to the players to build that response. Playing against Lorient today with a certain amount of pressure is part of being a professional footballer. So we have to put that aside and focus on what we can control and implement on the pitch. We need to carry the confidence from training into the match. In any case, I will continue to motivate them so that things turn around in the next game.