Niko Kovac's reaction after Alkmaar

For his third match in charge of AS Moncao, Niko Kovac tasted victory in a friendly away to Alkmaar (2-0), in a match that was perfectly executed.  Playing a high press at all times, the Red and Whites won thanks to goals from Aleksandr Golovin (20′) and Wissam Ben Yedder (74′). Here is the reaction of the Monegasque coach at the end of the last preseason match before Stade de Reims visit the Stade Louis II next Sunday (13h).

What lessons can you draw from the victory (2-0) obtained tonight?

We saw a real preseason match, with physical contact, and a sense of match rhythm, especially in the first half, against a good team in AZ. It was our last match before the league season resumes next week. It was therefore important not only to win but also to show some good things, in order to put ourselves in the best condition returning to league play.

Is the work that’s been done over the past month bearing fruit?

We are not yet ready, I expect even more from my players, but I can see that there has been improvement, especially physically and in the movement of the ball, in linking play, as in the first goal. We are making progress but a lot of work remains to be done in order to play at our desired pace and level.

This match also allowed you to finally see the likes of Gelson Martins, Henry Onyekuru and Axel Disasi at work; their performances were encouraging …

I see them every day in training and I know what they are capable of. By working at the right speed, they will bring a lot to this team. But rather than talking about individual performances, I prefer to express myself on the good state of mind that was shown by the team, in an overall manner of speaking. What is important for me is to have the right attitude and we are on the right path. We must continue on this path.

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