Denis Zakaria: “We put a lot of desire into winning this Derby”
He is without a doubt the man of this Derby! Scoring a double which (twice) gave the advantage to the Rouge et Blanc, who were ultimately victorious in the big match of Matchday 21 against Nice (2-3), Denis Zakaria expressed his joy in leavin the Allianz Riviera away with three points in the mixed zone. 🎙️
Good evening Denis. With this scenario, we imagine that this victory does you a lot of good?
Yes, a lot! We are happy to have won this match, it was important for us to take the three points and to play well. It’s job done even if we can always do better at certain moments of the match.
The important thing was really to win this Derby and come away with the three points, especially since we have been in a slightly more challenging period. We came to do this and it’s happened. It was also the coach’s birthday today, so this success is the best gift for him.
The coach used to say that heading is not your strong point. Will he continue to say it with this new goal?
I don’t hope so (laughs). I’ve already scored two headed goals this season, I hope it won’t be the last. I will work to score more and I am happy to have been able to help the team today. It’s great to score a double, especially in a Derby, it’s magnificent!
Quel coup de casque 💥🪖@Deniszakaria8 🫶
2⃣-3⃣ #OGCNASM pic.twitter.com/QptDeFjGSU
— AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) February 11, 2024
With this victory and a return to the podium, can we say that you are relaunched?
We will work to continue on this path. We know that we are still far from our best level and I am convinced that we can do better. In any case, we will work hard this week in training to be ready to face Toulouse next Sunday.
Did you put in a lot of desire because you were aware that this was the match not to be lost?
We had a lot of desire because we were coming off the back of a very disappointing match in Rouen. We had to have this desire and we were certain that with that, it would work. We are happy that it went as we wanted.
What will be the most difficult for AS Monaco at the end of the season?
It’s hard to say. We were able to be consistent at the start of the season, we need to get that back. We have a squad strong enough to do it and with the desire and determination that we showed today, we should be capable of it.
Elle fait du bien celle-là 🔥
2⃣-3⃣ #OGCNASM pic.twitter.com/ul0LIozpAf
— AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) February 11, 2024
To finish, a small reaction concerning Wilfried Singo winning AFCON with the Côte d’Ivoire…
I didn’t have time to talk to him and congratulate him but I think he will celebrate this title with his whole country. We are very happy for him. We can’t wait for him to come back because he is a very important player for us.
The reaction of Mohammed Salisu
“It’s a great feeling to win this match, because it’s a very big Derby, so it’s an important victory for us. It’s good for the Club, but also for our confidence and for the squad. We were very frustrated after being eliminated in Rouen, and the team showed a great reaction after this big disappointment.
And this was true even if the first half was not perfect. But we were able to get back on top afterward, and that’s what’s most important. This evening we are only one point behind Nice, which is a good thing for us and for the Club. Now we have to look forward and be focused on each match that is coming.”
