Reactions 13 December 2021, 00:50

Niko Kovac: "We had no luck tonight"

Despite a good overall performance and several chances, the Rouge et Blanc lost at the Parc des Princes (2-0). Here is Niko Kovac's reaction after this match.

It was a cruel defeat for AS Monaco this Sunday evening at the Parc des Princes. Despite several clear chances, especially in the first half, the Rouge et Blanc fell to a clinical PSG, who won 2-0 thanks to a double from Kylian Mbappé. After this match, Niko Kovac spoke at a press conference.

Our intention was to press high and take the game to them. We had some good balls in attack, but when you play against Paris Saint-Germain and you are not successful, it is very challenging. In the second half it was more difficult because Paris had more control of the ball. I think we deserved better tonight.

Niko Kovac Manager, AS Monaco

Good evening Niko. What is your analysis of this match that could have gone in your favor?

I think we started the game very well. The first half for me was good. But to be very good, it would have been necessary to open the scoring. We had a great opportunity, especially with Sofiane Diop. Our intention was to press high and take the game to them. We had some good balls in attack, but when you play against Paris Saint-Germain and you are not successful, it is very challenging. In the second half it was more difficult because Paris had more control of the ball. I think we deserved better tonight.

Can you tell us about the role of Sofiane Diop?

Kevin wasn’t here tonight, but we wanted to play like last time, in a 4-2-3-1 because it was working really well. So it was natural for me to put Sofiane in as a ten, as Gelson and Golo ’have been doing a really good job on the flanks over the past few weeks. He showed very good things in this role, applying pressure very high up the pitch in the first half to prevent the Parisian side building out from the back, and by harassing the two defensive midfielders and the central defense as well — unfortunately that was not enough to make a difference.

43'⏱

💪⚽️ We are controlling the game in the opposition's half — Let's keep pushing!

1⃣-0⃣ I #PSGASM pic.twitter.com/XhQtiGhqmp

— AS Monaco EN (@AS_Monaco_EN) December 12, 2021

In the first half we were the best team on the pitch, but like I said before, when you have periods of domination against this team, you have to score.

Niko Kovac Manager, AS Monaco

What was your plan at the defensive level tonight?

Guillermo is a very experienced player, and our hope was for him to control Kylian Mbappé a little more. This is why he played on the right tonight. For me it was the best option for the defense to build from the back, like when we were playing with three at the back..

Despite the result, aren’t you satisfied that you completely dominated the first half against the league leaders?

In the first half we were the best team on the pitch, but like I said before, when you have periods of domination against this team, you have to score. If you want to get a result here, you have to show a strong sense of willpower for 90 minutes, because you are playing against world-class players.

👏 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶 @AS_Monaco_EN fans. pic.twitter.com/EBleNKJK2L

— AS Monaco EN (@AS_Monaco_EN) December 12, 2021