Reactions 25 April 2024, 01:03

Adi Hütter: “A big step, even if there are four important matches left”

Very happy with the victory obtained against Lille (1-0), which allows the Monegasques to widen the gap in the standings with a view to qualifying for the Champions League, the Austrian manager spoke at a post-match press conference.

They knew that this week would be decisive against two direct competitors for the podium: Brest and Lille. Already winners in Brittany (0-2), the Rouge et Blanc once again delivered a solid display to win agains the Northern side (0-1) and take a big step towards the Champions League. Shortly after the match, Adi Hütter spoke in a press conference, offering congratualtions to his players. 🎙️

Good evening coach. You picked up a very important win this evening against Lille…

It’s once again a great step forward for us in a big clash between two great teams. I have a lot of respect for this Lille team and for the way they play football. Besides, I would like to congratulate Paulo Fonseca for his work. Finally, congratulations to my players for this victory, which is a big step towards the Champions League.

It wasn't always easy in the first half, we struggled with LOSC's four-man defense. Nabil Bentaleb was really good in his role and Benjamin André did a good job in midfield. This is why we changed our setup at the break to 4-2-3-1, with Folarin Balogun in charge of pressing Bentaleb.

Adi HütterOn the team's shift in tactics

What was your game plan?

It wasn’t always easy in the first half, we struggled with LOSC’s four-man defense. Nabil Bentaleb was really good in his role and Benjamin André did a good job in midfield. This is why we changed our setup at the break to 4-2-3-1, with Folarin Balogun in charge of pressing Bentaleb.

I believe it was the right choice. In the second half we defended really well, so I want to congratulate the team and in particular Breel, who made a lot of impact with his entry.

Do you think you’ve done the hardest part to secure second place?

The objective is indeed a return to the Champions League and tonight’s victory is a big step towards this goal, because many teams are fighting for these three places! The team is really on a good roll, we feel a lot of confidence and it shows with this new clean sheet after Brest (the fifth in seven matches, editor’s note). These are two teams that are also aiming for the podium. Once again, not conceding a goal against such a teams confirms our superb form.

What can prevent AS Monaco from qualifying for the Champions League?

We still have four important matches in the run-in, including the next one against Lyon, one of the biggest clubs in France. They are also on a very good run in this second half of the season. It’s also a very big match for them, and it will be the third for us this week.

Breel had an incredible impact upon his arrival, he helped the team a lot by being a good complement to Wissam and Folarin. He can be a key player for us in these last four rounds

Adi HütterOn Breel Embolo

Then we will have visits from Clermont and Nantes and the trip to Montpellier. So I told my players in the locker room to stay very focused and to respect our opponents. We must continue our process to finish the job well.

La joie de nos Rouge & Blanc après ce précieux succès 😍

1⃣-0⃣ #ASMLOSC pic.twitter.com/pwJ6hV3ICX

— AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) April 24, 2024

A word on Breel Embolo’s return…

For a player coming back from a serious injury, it’s always special to come back. Caio Henrique also made his return to the bench today. Breel had an incredible impact upon his arrival, he helped the team a lot by being a good complement to Wissam and Folarin.

He could be a key player for us in the last four rounds, although we have to be careful and not take any risks. In any case I’m happy for him and for the team this evening!