The reactions of Youssouf Fofana, Maghnes Akliouche and Soungoutou Magassa
What a match! A clash between our Rouge et Blanc and OM could only result in a great spectacle. That was certainly the case, since at the end of a completely crazy match and thanks to a stunning performance, the players of AS Monaco came out winners (3-2). It was a thrilling result and one which Youssouf Fofana, Maghnes Akliouche and Soungoutou Magassa spoke about with the media post-match. 🎙
𝗗𝗔𝗚𝗛𝗘 𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗘𝗚𝗨 🔴⚪️
3⃣-2⃣ #ASMOM pic.twitter.com/GG46Bmq6zt
— AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) September 30, 2023
Good evening Youssouf. We witnessed a stunning match this evening…
Yes that’s exactly it. In the first half, OM did not necessarily have big chances. We clearly gifted them the first goal. Then this season we have always been able to react and reverse the trend. It’s a shame, because we often feel like we’re chasing the game. But conversely we sent a very big message to our opponents by showing that we are not easy to play against.
The start of the match was completely wild!
I haven’t had many matches with a score of 2-2 after 25 minutes of play. It was huge for us to start the second half tied. If we have a goal deficit, I think it could have been very tough, because Olympique de Marseille is a big team, everyone knows that. But it’s good that we managed to equalize very early to set up our style of play in the second half
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗻 🔴⚪️
2⃣-2⃣ #ASMOM pic.twitter.com/7jmfcnewpD
— AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) September 30, 2023
How do you respond when you concede a goal after 30 seconds?
It’s strange and frustrating. But we play high up the pitch, with a lot of pressing. It’s a risky style of play, we know that. But it’s true that if we manage to limit these kinds of chances, I think we can have a very good season.
A word on Maghnes Akliouche who had an incredible match…
He did a huge amount of work this summer. He just has the misfortune of having two very successful players in front of him with Golo’ and Taki’, who was elected the best player in Ligue 1 in August. He showed us the full extent of his talent this evening. Did he surprise me? No because I already know him and I know what he is capable of doing. I hope he continues this momentum.
Un mot pour décrire le match de cet homme 😇 ?
3⃣-2⃣ #ASMOM pic.twitter.com/d5eotOdDkQ
— AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) September 30, 2023
Despite the absentees, AS Monaco has a lot of resources!
Yes, we have shown it several times this season. The substitutes have been ready since pre-season training and have the total confidence of the coach. It’s good that they were able to give it back tonight. It’s also very reassuring for the players in the starting lineup to know that there is so much quality on the bench.
How did you see Marseille this evening?
Despite the period they are going through, they remains Olympique de Marseille, they are very dangerous. We saw it today since they opened the scoring after 30 seconds. This team should not be underestimated. And then it’s Monaco-Marseille, there’s a level of intensity, we don’t want to lose. It’s the best in duels who win the battle, and we were very strong in that area tonight.
The reaction of Maghnes Akliouche
Good evening Maghnes. How do you feel after your big performance?
First of all I am very happy, for me but especially for the team. I hope it will continue like this, with this good dynamic. I tried to prepare well, to concentrate well, and to put all the luck on my side. I’m really happy this evening, even if I’m not very enthusiastic, because I’m a little tired (smiles).
Was it important for you to bounce back against Marseille?
Yes, that was the goal, to forget last week’s Derby. We are very satisfied, and are hoping that it continues in Reims next weekend.
𝙋𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙣𝙤𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙚𝙪𝙧𝙨 ❤️🤍
3⃣-2⃣ #ASMOM pic.twitter.com/Ex9zgBz5Sn
— AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) September 30, 2023
Does your double have a particular special quality in this clash against OM?
Obviously, because we know that Olympique de Marseille is a great team. And it was also a high-stakes match for us, because we were eager to bounce back once again. I train every day for that, to be present when the coach calls on me. So I am very happy to have turned in this performance.
Today you are fully involved in things!
Yes of course, I feel good, I am working every day to improve, because I still have things to improve. What do I still have to work on? I have to refine a lot of things, so we will continue to work and try to do even better.
What was the strength of AS Monaco this evening?
We were very supportive of each other, we didn’t give up! It was important for us to get back on level terms quickly, because otherwise it becomes complicated. This is what we were able to do, so we are very satisfied.
"𝘖𝘯 𝘷𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘵 𝘳𝘦́𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘳 𝘦𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘭'𝘢 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘵" 👊
La réaction de Maghnes après son match XXL 👇 pic.twitter.com/PsJCpZJWTZ
— AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) September 30, 2023
The reaction of Soungoutou Magassa
Good evening Soungoutou. You managed to turn the match around this evening. However, it didn’t start very well…
Definitely concedinf this goal after 30 seconds hurt, but we were able to quickly equalize. We were surprised again to go behind but we did not drop our heads and we came back to make it 2-2. Then we scored this third goal in the second half which put us in front of OM. In this type of scenario, you must not break and remain compact and solid. That’s what we did.
The substitutes made the difference this evening!
Each time the bench is bringing added value this season. Today it was Maghnes who was in the spotlight and who scored a double and an assist. We are very happy for him and we hope he continues like this.
2⃣ buts, 1⃣ passe dé pour Maghnes ce soir !
Pour revoir ses buts avec @FreeLigue1 👉 https://t.co/7LpLmSIR1U
55' | 3⃣-2⃣ #ASMOM pic.twitter.com/45DfWq7jfP
— AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) September 30, 2023
We feel that there is a lot of strength in the collective. Is that your feeling too?
Yes for sure, we feel a lot of character in the squad. Even if we concede one or two goals, we don’t give up, we fight until the end. This is what we showed today to turn the situation around. There is a good atmosphere within the squad, everyone is pushing forward. We must continue on this path.
How did you see the play of the Balogun-Ben Yedder duo?
They worked well this week in training, working on this partnership. They are very good players who don’t need a lot of time to adapt, we could see that during the match, and it did us a lot of good.
On a personal level, you are playing on to a new position for you…
I am trying to adapt as best as possible, do the best for the team and repay the trust that the coach gave me. I fight and try to erase the little mistakes I sometimes make by working hard every day. A future in defense? For the moment I play where the coach asks me to play (smile).
A quick word about the performance of your friend from the Academy, Maghnes Akliouche…
It’s nice because he’s someone who trains well and hard, he’s a real worker. I am delighted for him, because I see that everything he has done in recent years has paid off. Today was his day, and I hope he enjoyed it. His right-footed shot? That wasn’t bad there (smiles).
