Can Caio Henrique lift Monaco at Le Havre? | OneFootball

Caio Henrique’s season has mirrored Monaco’s slump, with no goals or assists in 23 matches and the club down in ninth. According to Nice-Matin, Monaco hope the Brazilian can make a difference away to Le Havre on Saturday at 19:00 in the 19th round of Ligue 1.

Since rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in September 2023 during a 1-0 home derby defeat to Nice, he has struggled for rhythm and end product. Previously he piled up assists under Niko Kovac, Philippe Clement and Adi Hütter, registering 11 in 63, 15 in 66 and 11 in 55 games respectively.

In late December he accepted that increasing deliveries to the forwards is a key target, saying he is working on it and feels encouraged to cross more by the coach. He made his 200th Monaco appearance since signing in 2020 and, at 28, knows supporter frustration, while stressing he gives everything.

A former team-mate insists his technical quality remains above average and praises the character shown after the serious injury. Defensively he can be troubled by pace or positioning, and he is taking pointers from Pocognoli, a fellow left-back by trade, on closing space quicker and body shape. He was originally schooled as a playmaker.

Pocognoli regards him as important, notes improved training focus and says Henrique depends on team structure, which has shifted in recent weeks. He felt the full-back might have set up Fati in Madrid, adding that final-third accuracy is decisive.

The once-prolific link with Aleksandr Golovin has waned and should be used more, argues the ex-team-mate, with Golovin inside and Henrique overlapping. With seven defeats in their last eight league games and a possible return to a 4-4-2 diamond at Le Havre, results are needed quickly.

Source: Nice-Matin