Reactions from Ruben Aguilar and Takumi Minamino

Frustrating. After dominating the match overall and despite hitting the posts twice through Wissam Ben Yedder and Vanderson, the Rouge et Blanc would lose to Stade de Reims (0-1). It was a maddening defeat given the scenario and the chances, which Ruben Aguilar and Takumi Minamino tried to analyze in the mixed zone after the match.

Ruben Aguilar’s reaction

Hello Reuben. How do you feel after this match?

We are inevitably disappointed, frustrated. But that’s part of the life of a footballer, sometimes in a season there are bad results. Now it’s up to us to be mature, to get back to work properly, and to resume what we have been doing well in recent months. There are eleven games left, there’s still a long time left! And we are going to Ajaccio with the desire to bring back a good result. Even if it won’t be easy either, because all matches are tough in Ligue 1.

Not to be.#ASMSDR pic.twitter.com/BkYSJN6r3w

— AS Monaco EN (@AS_Monaco_EN) March 12, 2023

What do you think was missing today?

As I said, there are times in a season when things are more challenging and when things do not go in our favor. Sometimes it’s hitting the post like this evening, or being a few centimeters offside that prevent us from scoring. It’s part of the game, and you have to accept it. We will get back to work again and look for a win before the international break.

Despite the result, there are some positives from today, in particular the return of Vanderson…

Everyone brings something, this is good. We are recovering everyone little by little, so we have a good squad available. Each player answers the call, whether it’s those who start or those who come on. So we are very happy to get Vandi back, especially since we get along very well on the flank. Everyone must give 100% for the badge.

SUB:

🟢 @vandi_001
🔴 Diatta pic.twitter.com/wCWYqBzcrD

— AS Monaco EN (@AS_Monaco_EN) March 12, 2023

Do you think the team can have a great end to the season?

I would like to answer you and say “yes, it will be like last year, we can win nine out of ten or even ten out of ten.” But we know it’s not that simple in reality. We worked very hard to put this run together, so we will have to get back to work to restart one very quickly.

Let’s look at a win in the next match and then we’ll see. There will be ten games left, it will be tough to move up, but there is still time, even as, I repeat, each game is like a final in Ligue 1. It is up to us to win as many as possible out of the eleven.

Takumi Minamino’s reaction

Hello Takumi.  The team lacked a finishing touch in front of goal this evening…

This match against Reims was a good opportunity for us to strengthen our bid for the podium. Unfortunately we lost this match and we are obviously very disappointed with the result. Personally I played today, and as soon as I entered I wanted to change the match by offering an assist or scoring. But I couldn’t, and it was frustrating.

76' SUB:

🟢 @takumina0116
🔴 Golovin

0⃣-1⃣ #ASMSDR pic.twitter.com/Tt4XeXmLCy

— AS Monaco EN (@AS_Monaco_EN) March 12, 2023

What was the team lacking?

On certain movements we could have actually created real chances. But above all it takes someone to convert them, and tonight we did not have luck on our side as we hit the post twice. It’s a shame, because there was room for us to do what we wanted.

A very important match awaits you in Ajaccio…

It will be another away game, so it will inevitably be difficult. Ajaccio are not an easy team to face, especially since they will be fighting for their survival in Ligue 1. We absolutely have to win this match if we want to continue dreaming of playing in the Champions League next season. I am aware of the importance of this match, and we will prepare for it as well as possible to leave with three points.