Reactions 28 May 2023, 04:13

Philippe Clement: "Get the upper hand and win against Toulouse"

Obviously disappointed after defeat away to Rennes (2-0), the Belgian technician spoke at a press conference a few moments after the match.

It was another challenging match. Dominated by a clinical Stade Rennais, AS Monaco lost 2-0 in Brittany, before the last match of the league season against Toulouse, which will be crucial to seek a place in Europe. After the match, Philippe Clement tried to find words for the result at a press conference.🎙

Hello Philippe. How do you feel after this defeat?

Stade Rennais have been in good form in recent weeks. This is a team that has a lot of weapons offensively. The organization was generally good with us, but obviously not on the two goals we conceded and a few phases of play.

I also saw players who are not at the top of their confidence, it was quite obvious in certain situations. We will now have to work hard during this last week to bring back three points from Toulouse

Philipe ClementManager, AS Monaco

We were focused on getting the job done, but up front we failed to use the spaces Rennes were leaving. We had a few chances on set pieces, but not enough in transition.

Do you feel angry?

I am not angry, because I have seen players who have given everything to take points here. But I also saw players who are not at the top of their confidence, it was quite obvious in certain situations. We will now have to work hard during this last week to bring back three points from Toulouse and look at the results of the other matches.

Our aim is clear in this final week: to give all our energy for the supporters of the Club and all the people who love AS Monaco!

Philippe ClementOn the match against Toulouse

After tonight you no longer have your destiny in hand to win a place in Europe…

It’s a fact, but it’s up to us to work hard to win this last match at the Stade Louis-II. I saw all week but also during the game tonight that the players wanted to give everything to win, even those who came on. Our aim is clear in this final week: to give all our energy for the supporters of the Club and all the people who love AS Monaco!

It would be very difficult not to be competing in Europe next year…

Yes of course! But we are not there yet. Everyone, be it the staff, the players, the supporters and the management, is not happy with the results of recent weeks and our place in the table.

It's not about physical conditioning, especially when you are playing one game a week. I would say it's more about a lack of confidence. We have to prove this first and foremost so that we can regain the upper hand and win against Toulouse.

Philippe ClementOn the team's level of conditioning

It’s a tough moment, after having had better times this season. I remember we were fighting for second place not long ago. But the level of the team has currently dropped.

How can you explain this?

It’s not about physical conditioning, especially when you are playing one game a week. I would say it’s more about a lack of confidence. We have to prove this first and foremost so that we can regain the upper hand and win against Toulouse.