Philippe Clement: "A difficult result to digest because it is not deserved"
It was an infuriating result in the Coupe de France. After leading by two goals in the first half, the AS Monaco players were forced out by losing a penalty shootout against Rodez (2-2, 4-5 penalties). The road of Philippe Clement‘s side in the Coupe de France had come to an end in the Round of 64. It was this disappointment that the Monegasque coach expressed at the post-match press conference.
Hello Philippe. How do you see this stunning outcome?
It is unacceptable, I must say that I am quite annoyed. However, I saw good things in the first hour. But we conceded a goal on Rodez’s only chance in the first period, and the striker was unmarked to score. The start of the second half was good, and we even had the opportunity to put in a third, but the goalkeeper made good saves. In the last 25 minutes, I did not recognize the play of my team. And then at the end of the match we conceded a second goal, which was difficult to digest because the result was not deserved.
FULL-TIME 🔚
We exit the @coupedefrance on penalties.
2⃣-2⃣ #ASMRAF pic.twitter.com/L3LGVOLyIV
— AS Monaco EN (@AS_Monaco_EN) January 7, 2023
And then there’s that terrible penalty shootout…
We know that penalties are always difficult. One of my best players in recent months missed his attempt and then a youngster was there to decide the match. There are many great players who have missed penalties, including most recently at the World Cup. Above all, I have to talk to my players to find out what was wrong with them, to explain this end to the match that passed us by. We have to be decisive in these moments.
PENALTIES
Soungoutou Magassa is denied.
AS Monaco 🟢🟢🟢🟢🔴🔴
Rodez AF 🟢🟢🔴🟢🟢2⃣-2⃣ #ASMRAF
— AS Monaco EN (@AS_Monaco_EN) January 7, 2023
One of the positives is Maghnes Akliouche’s first goal as a professional…
It’s an important part of our project, finding a balance between experience and giving young players an opportunity to express themselves. It’s good for Maghnes, but several youngsters had a chance today — there was Eliot (Matazo) and Soungoutou (Magassa) as well. It’s always tough, however, to stay at the same level throughout the match when you play less often.
Do you have any regrets about this game?
I have no regrets about my starting eleven, because for me our best period remains the first 60 minutes of the match. I was confident in the qualities of my players before the game. I knew it wouldn’t be easy against this team from Rodez, because there are good teams who have struggled to make a difference in the Round of 64 in the Coupe de France. We did some good things to lead 2-0, but at that point you have to do what it takes to manage the game.
Thomas Didillon had a very good match. It must be annoying for him too…
He clearly did his job today, notably keeping out two big chances. He could have been the hero by stopping the fifth penalty, it’s a shame for him. We will have to react very quickly against a great team from Lorient in Ligue 1 on Wednesday (9 p.m.). We will need a great Monaco team to pick up points. In any case, it will be interesting to see what the reaction of my players will be.
Ruben Aguilar’s reaction
Hello Ruben. What did you think of this Rodez side?
We didn’t underestimate this team, but I think we loosened up being ahead 2-0. We had the chances to kill the match, even at 2-1. They too had opportunities and they believed in themselves until the end. Congratulations to them. Now we must turn to be focused on Lorient.
Did the equalizer change the dynamics of the match?
Yes maybe. It’s the Coupe de France, and there are no small teams, we know that. At 2-0 we still had to press and not let up. Now we have to turn the page, get back to work and keep moving forward.
