Takumi Minamino: "Continue to progress individually and collectively" | OneFootball

Decisive in AS Monaco's last four matches, the Japanese attacking midfielder appeared before the press 48 hours before the team's trip to Lorient (Saturday, 5 p.m.), as part of the 6th round of Ligue 1 McDonald's.

He has scored in every one of his matches in recent weeks. A providential scorer in the victory against Strasbourg (3-2) and then Auxerre (a 2-1 win), Takumi Minamino  is in good form at the start of the season, as also evidenced by his two assists against Bruges and Metz. He spoke to the media before the match against Lorient to discuss his current form — and that of the team. 🎙️

The team’s form

It’s true that our performances aren’t perfect yet, and we’re aware of that. But despite that, we’re leading the league, which is positive. We have to keep improving, both individually and collectively. In the loss to Bruges, we lost a little confidence. The last match against Metz was therefore very important for us. The first 20 minutes were difficult, but we finally won 5-2. Those are three valuable points.

As a team, it's a real strength to be able to count on him. Ansu brings a lot to us offensively, he's intelligent in his movement, very technical and has already ben decisive. It's the same in training, technically he's at a very, very high level!

The strong play of Ansu Fati off the bench

His coming on last Sunday changed the game. He scored after a few seconds, then scored the third goal. As a team, it’s a real strength to be able to count on him. Ansu brings a lot to us offensively, he’s intelligent in his movement, very technical and has already been decisive. It’s the same in training; technically, he’s at a very, very high level!

The importance of a confident Mika Biereth

I was able to give him an assist, and for a striker, scoring can often frees someone up. When a goalscorer gets going, other goals can follow. I hope that will be the case for Mika. But even without scoring, he helps the team enormously with his defensive work and his movement.

What Krépin Diatta brings to the table

It’s no surprise to me. He always trains very well, with great professionalism. I had the feeling that as soon as he got his chance, he would make the difference, like in the last match. He is capable of playing in several positions, he is a real asset for us!

There are a lot of quality players up front, the competition is strong. But I see that as a good thing. It pushes everyone to give their all in training and in matches. In the end, it's the coach who chooses, and I'm happy to play with such good teammates.

His own numbers

With two goals and one assist from five Ligue 1 matches, I’m generally satisfied. But my goal remains to be decisive for the team in every match, with a goal or an assist. I want to maintain this consistency.

Competition in the attacking third

There are a lot of quality players up front, the competition is strong. But I see that as a good thing. It pushes everyone to give their all in training and in matches. In the end, it’s the coach who chooses, and I’m happy to play with such good teammates. The coach insists that the attackers defend too. It’s our role to initiate high pressing, and it’s part of our style of play. We still need to improve in this area, because in recent matches, we have sometimes lacked intensity.

The return of Vanderson

His first matches were a bit tough, especially due to an injury. But with him and Jordan (Teze), we have two top-level fullbacks. I think Vandi is happy, committed, and performing well. He will definitely help us a lot this season.

It's still early in the season, but they're definitely still a great team, among the best in Europe. It's going to be a very tough match, but first we have to stay focused on preparing for Lorient.

The versatility of Jordan Teze

In the last match, he was used as a number 6. He showed that he can play perfectly in this position. He is intelligent, calm on the ball, solid defensively and capable of recovering important balls. His versatility is a real asset.

On Manchester City

It’s still early in the season, but they’re definitely still a great team, among the best in Europe. It’s going to be a very tough match, but first we have to stay focused on preparing for Lorient. Gianluigi Donnarumma? It’s true that it’s strange to see him at City after his long spell at Paris Saint-Germain, but that’s football. He had a good game recently against Arsenal, and he’ll be a formidable opponent.