Ligue 1 Uber Eats 17 May 2023, 16:04

Chrislain Matsima: "I've gained maturity in recent months"

A starter in AS Monaco's last two games, the central defender from the Academy spoke to a press conference ahead of the trip to Lyon this Friday (9 p.m.), to discuss his return and the matches to come.

A clean sheet that felt good. Author of a solid performance against Lille Sunday in the Principality (0-0), Chrislain Matsima spoke at a press conference to talk about his role with the club, his time in Lorient and his recent performances before the match on Friday evening against Olympique Lyonnais (9 p.m.). 🎙

His recent performances

I am satisfied with my return. As players, we listen to the coach, ready to help the team at any time. In any case, I’m happy with my performance in the last two games against Angers and Lille. I want to return as much confidence as possible, whether it’s playing in my favorite position or as a right-back, which was the case when I came back. I will do everything to make this the case until the end of the season.

My time in Lorient made me mature. [...] It allowed me to grow and discuss with the staff my areas for improvement.

Chrislain MatismaOn his loan to Lorient

On being (re)integrated into the squad on his return

I spoke a lot with the coach before coming back to Monaco, so I already knew his expectations and that gave me the confidence to be ready right away against Brest and then quickly in the Europa League. I felt like I never left and that made my reintegration easier. It all happened pretty quickly in the end..

On his loan spell

My time in Lorient made me mature. Arriving injured, it delayed my progress, especially since there was already a well-established hierarchy there, and the team was playing well. But on the other hand, it allowed me to gain experience and discuss things with the staff and to identify my areas for improvement. I gained in maturity, and Philipe Clement has congratulated me for that.

We can all agree that he is a great striker and he is proving it again this year with OL. It's always exciting to face these kind of players, I see it as a challenge to prevent him from impressing.

Chrislain MatsimaOn facing Alexandre Lacazette

A big match against Lyon

It’s an important match with a view to being in the European places come the end of the season. If we adopt the same state of mind and fighting spirit as we have in the last two matches, then there will be a good chance of performing well on Friday.

A potential duel with Alexandre Lacazette

Of course, I feel ready to face him. We can all agree that he is a great striker and he is proving it again this year with OL. It’s always exciting to face these kind of players, I see it as a challenge to prevent him from impressing, and it’s additional experience to take on.

Le déplacement à Lyon en ligne de mire 🎯 pic.twitter.com/VdwaX19ple

— AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) May 16, 2023

I arrived early to the first team (in the summer of 2020) and I try to give advice as best I can, both on and off the pitch, to facilitate the adaptation of young people who arrive. Training is part of our club's DNA.

Chrislain MatsimaOn his role with the team's youngest players

The return of Breel Embolo

He was out for quite a long time, but since his return, I feel he is doing well in the battle and he is still just as difficult to defend, even in training (smiles). It’s a good thing that we have a full squad to end the season well. Breel is an important player for us.

His role with the young players from the Academy

It’s nice to see that we were nine players from La Diagonale to be present in the squad against Lille. Being from the Academy myself, I know how hard it can sometimes be to fit in. I arrived early to the first team (in the summer of 2020) and I try to give advice as best I can, both on and off the pitch, to facilitate the adaptation of young people who arrive. Training is part of our club’s DNA.

👥 Le groupe monégasque face au @losclive 👇

‣ #ASMLOSC

— AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) May 13, 2023