Sébastien Pocognoli: "We need to find stability in the starting eleven" | OneFootball

Clearly frustrated by the equalizer conceded at the end of the match when AS Monaco were holding firm, the Monegasque coach appeared at the press conference after the draw conceded in Pafos (1-1).

They were just a few minutes away from leaving Pafos with all three points. Unfortunately, despite creating several chances, AS Monaco conceded a draw in added time in Cyprus in a tough end to the match (2-2). Speaking in a post-match press conference, Sébastien Pocognoli reacted to the result in the Champions League. 🎙️

Good evening, coach. What’s your analysis of the match?

We started the game well, taking the initiative and scoring a goal in the way we wanted, by building an attack between the lines with our creative players. I don’t know if it’s scoring that’s making us drop back or if it’s the fear of conceding that’s paralyzing us right now. We’ll need to be mentally stronger in certain aspects of the game.

Generally speaking, we need to find stability in the starting eleven because it will bring us confidence and composure. That’s what we’re lacking in the structure we want to implement, in scenarios where we end up with 10 men, not to mention injuries and how we manage them. We’ll have to find that stability to be able to analyze the team’s character, and it’s up to me to try and bring that touch, as well as optimism, to the match so we don’t have to be at the mercy of these situations.

Nous avons trop de variations dans le caractère et c’est à moi d’apporter cela. Cela fait un mois que j’y travaille. J’essaye de la cerner, la pousser et la stimuler, c’est quelque chose qui prend du temps, d’autant qu’il faut jongler avec cette instabilité. J’ai néanmoins vu mes joueurs avec des émotions. Les défenseurs centraux et le gardien ont notamment beaucoup communiqué entre eux.

Do you sometimes feel that your team lacks character?

Today was a match of men against experienced players. We lack that cunning, slightly vicious and aggressive edge we’d seen before, against Bodø/Glimt and in Nantes we were tough in the duels. Once again, stability within the team will allow us to create that DNA. We have too many variations in our character, and it’s up to me to bring that about. I’ve been working on it for a month. I’m trying to understand things, push the players, and stimulate them; it’s something that takes time, especially since we have to juggle this instability. Nevertheless, I saw my players displaying emotions. The central defenders and the goalkeeper, in particular, communicated a lot with each other.

What were the reasons for this change of system?

You have to be flexible with regard to your team, recent results, and opponents. I’m not someone who’s stuck with a rigid system. We showed some good things and some less positive things in the old system, partly due to instability and player profiles. Today, there have been some good things, but there’s always this inconsistency, regardless of the structure in place. I hope to have a stable core group of players so I can focus on all the things we can implement based on our key strengths.

Were you expecting a difficult mission when you arrived?

I was expecting it because it’s always a challenge when you arrive mid-season. I’m not afraid of it because I know the work that’s being done behind the scenes; we’re working as hard as we can. We’re trying to create a positive mindset, to involve everyone, and to instill a daily routine so that we can have a strong ambition within this core group.

I talk to the fans when things are going well and when they're not. They're behind us and always turn out in large numbers for away games. They're frustrated with the points tally, but the main message was that they want to see players who give their all. I'm on board with that because it's in my nature to see that in my team. It's up to me to find the formula to instill it, and I'm convinced I will.

The table hasn’t been good, that’s for sure, but it’s something I’ve experienced last season at Union. I arrived at a club where we had to rebuild with a staff I didn’t know and new players. We were then able to achieve very good results thanks to the hard work that paid off, even though every club is different. I have no fear or resignation in what I’m trying to implement.

How do you explain the two goals conceded from set pieces?

It’s a moment of intense concentration that you have to manage well in the box, using your body effectively and communicating well, while also anticipating runs. It’s disappointing because the match was decided by set pieces. There’s always something going against us, which means there are many aspects to improve.

What did you say to the fans after the final whistle?

I talk to the fans when things are going well and when they’re not. They’re behind us and always turn out in large numbers for away games. They’re frustrated with the points tally, but the main message was that they want to see players who give their all. I’m on board with that because it’s in my nature to see that in my team. It’s up to me to find the formula to instill it, and I’m convinced I will.