Ligue 1 McDonald’s 22 November 2024, 00:59

Adi Hütter: "We will have to be ready for this challenge against Brest"

On the eve of a visit from Stade Brestois, for the 12th matchday in Ligue 1, the Monegasque manager appeared at a press conference with the firm desire to find success at home.

AS Monaco is starting a final cycle of eight matches before the winter break. And what better way to start than with a Champions League-level match against Brest, this Friday (7 p.m.), at the Stade Louis-II. With five consecutive wins against this team, the Rouge et Blanc will want to continue this series, in order to best prepare for the match against Benfica on Wednesday. It is with this in mind that Adi Hütter presented himself at the press conference.

It's not the first time we've been in this situation. The most important thing is that we were able to bounce back before this break with two away wins in Bologna and Strasbourg. We are going to face a good team from Brest.

Adi HütterOn Friday's match

A visit from Brest Friday

The match comes so soon after the international break, it’s not easy to prepare for. But it’s not the first time we’ve been in this situation. The most important thing is that we were able to bounce back before this break with two away wins in Bologna and Strasbourg. We are going to face a good team from Brest. Even if they have had difficulties in Ligue 1, they are fourth in the Champions League. I like this team and the coach Eric Roy. It is a strong team and we will have to be ready for this challenge.

Brest, a team with two faces

It’s not easy for Brest because it’s the first time they’re participating in the Champions League. They also have 10 points like us but are coming off two defeats in Ligue 1 against Nice and Montpellier. This last defeat was a bit surprising. I know this team, they have a clear 4-3-3 structure most of the time.

Pierre Lees-Melou is probably the leader of this group, Ludovic Ajorque is solid and fast. Everyone knows Romain Del Castillo. Kenny Lala is also a good crosser and sends in good balls to Ajorque. We’ll have to watch out for the second ball and prepare for a big battle.

AS Monaco, a biggest opponent?

I wouldn’t say that because we respect every opponent. As I’ve already said, Brest had a fantastic season last year and are currently performing well in the Champions League. They’ve kept a good stability, the coach has stayed. Ludovic Ajorque has the same profile as Steve Mounié. Playing two competitions is totally different, it’s another challenge for them.

Ludovic Ajorque est DE RETOUR ⚽️🔙 pic.twitter.com/6xSupalCtr

— Ligue 1 McDonald's (@Ligue1) September 2, 2024

So we have a lot of respect for this team. We must not play in the same way as against Angers, where this match was a big disappointment. Fortunately, we reacted well afterwards in Bologna and then in Strasbourg and did not give up. I was very happy with this reaction.

I prefer that we are better in the second half because it shows our good physical condition. It also proves that our preseason was successful to best manage these two competitions, while waiting for the Coupe de France. We also make a big rotation and we have today 18-19 top players who can make the difference at any time.

Adi HütterOn the team's strong play in the second half

Favorable stats in the 2nd half

The players’ ability to bounce back

We cannot compare the two defeats against Nice and Angers. We dominated the first half in Nice before conceding a goal and being reduced to ten mdn before the break. It is true then that the first half against Angers was not good but in my opinion, we tried to come back in the second half, except that the SCO was also very good.

After that match, during a meeting, we were clear in telling the players that if we managed to play our style of play, it would be difficult for the opponents to beat us. On the other hand, if we don’t do that, everyone can manage to take the three points.

On Soungoutou Magassa

In Nice, he was not expected to start but Denis was injured on his last shot during the warm-up. It is therefore not easy for a young player to play in these conditions, and I made the decision to replace him at half-time.

I then had a good conversation with him, he proved to me that he was a fantastic player by showing me in training and that he was capable of playing. He was very good in Bologna and Strasbourg. He was able to show the reaction of a professional player. We will see if he will be in the line-up again tomorrow.