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Media 05 January 2024, 17:47

Thilo Kehrer: “Show that my qualities deserve a place in the team”

Thilo Kehrer: “Show that my qualities deserve a place in the team”
Having just arrived from West Ham, AS Monaco's new central defender spoke himself at a press conference, two days before the Coupe de France match against Lens.

He’s the newest AS Monaco signing. After joinign from West Ham on loan with an option to buy, Thilo Kehrer has already been able to take part in his first training session this morning, before perhaps making a first appearance on Sunday against Lens, for the Monegasques’ entry into the Coupe de France. Two days before this match, the new defender of the Rouge et Blanc spoke at a press conference, alongside CEO Thiago Scuro.  🎙️

Hello everyone and Happy New Year! I am happy to be here to introduce the newest AS Monaco player, Thilo Kehrer. Thank you for trusting AS Monaco! Everyone knows Thilo's qualities, which correspond to the way we play. We had the opportunity to strengthen ourselves defensively, and we have had very good discussions with him.
CEO of AS MonacoOn the arrival of Thilo Kehrer

His choice to join the Club

First of all, hello everyone. Several options were available to me, I spoke to several clubs but I made the decision to come to Monaco because in my eyes, and given my situation, I needed to have playing time in a competitive team with potential. The team will be able to benefit from my experience and my qualities in defense and on the pitch, while I will be able to benefit from the dynamism of the club, the staff and the management which has a lot of ambition. Thanks to all that, it matched straight away.

Returning to France

England and the Premier League are different from the French top flight. I had a good season last year where I was able to play a lot of matches, while gaining experience in a leaguewhich is very competitive. I know France and Ligue 1 well and I continued to follow it from across the Channel by watching a few matches. It’s a league with a lot of potential and a very good level. I think it’s one of the best in Europe with a very physical style of play and lots of individual talent.

His connections with Breel and Denis

Before committing here, I contacted Breel and Denis who gave me good feedback. So the choice was not very difficult. With Breel, I have a very good relationship because I have known him for a long time. We have a very good friendship, as do our loved ones as well. When he joined Schalke, it was actually my second year with the first team and he is only a year younger than me.

We got along well from the start, we spent almost all our days together. I came to Schalke at 15, so I knew the city and the places to see very well. I tried to integrate him as much as possible. That’s how I met Zak’, we get along very well too. He has more or less the same mentality and the same way of thinking about doing things.

His form

It’s true that I haven’t had much playing time in recent months. On the other hand, I was able to carry out very intense training sessions at West Ham. So I feel good physically even if I will miss the rhythm of the match. I’m confident I’ll catch up quickly.

When we look at Thilo’s track record, particularly with PSG and West Ham, it proves what we want to bring to AS Monaco, the culture of winning. He already knows Ligue 1, the teams and the style of play, so obviously that makes his adaptation easier. Also as Adi explained, it is important to speak several languages to integrate well in the locker room. But that’s not just why we recruited him, but first and foremost for his qualities on the pitch.
Thiago Scuro, CEO of AS MonacoThilo Kehrer's role

His future role in the team

I will be there to bring my experience, in order to increase the defensive stability of the entire team. Defending does not only concern defenders but it is teamwork that must be done. With my physical and technical qualities, I will bring part of this balance which will help the team to move up a level and win even more matches.

His personal and collective goals

We will work hard to achieve our goals. I see a lot of potential in this team. The objective is obviously to play in Europe and the Champions League. But in my career, I have learned that you should never limit yourself. It would be stupid to say that the title is impossible to obtain, especially when we look at the squad.

On a personal level, I really want to be focused and meet everyone first to integrate well into the team. I will fight to achieve the best results and we will see this summer about the rest. Before signing, no one guaranteed me playing time. I know that I have the qualities to play, but it is up to the coach to choose. I will have to show my qualities to deserve my place in the team because for me, the best players must be starting.

The Round of 64 in Lens on Sunday

When I arrive in a new place, I like to play quickly, because for me, the best way to fit in is to play together. It’s important to get along well, to see each other in training and in daily life, but the most important thing is the chemistry you create during matches or in complicated moments. I’ll take it as it comes, it’s something that can only help.

The national team and the Euros in Germany

The Euros are a personal goal that I have but I am not going to achieve it just by thinking. This will have to come through training and work during matches, I am focused on that. If I am able to perform well, I am convinced that I will return to the national team. Lately, it’s true that I haven’t been called up anymore, so that was the first reason to change clubs in order to find playing time and have a playing rhythm, in order to have a chance to play in the Euros at home.

His progress since leaving PSG

I think I improved in my information gathering. The speed of the Premier League is above all other leagues. This doesn’t give you time to think, you have to anticipate solutions. I also obviously gained experience because you face teams with very high quality players almost every weekend.

His life in Monaco

I haven’t yet received an invitation from Breel to live with him for the next six months (laughs). No, honestly, I haven’t had time to think about my accommodations in Monaco because Sunday’s match is coming up quickly, it’s the priority. We will then decide with my family, we will see to it calmly.

Thilo will bring us a lot. He is a competitive player with a lot of experience, very versatile, who can play in several positions, on the right side of defence in a two or three and even as a holding player. He looks in very good form, so he will do us good. I am very happy that he is joining us on loan until the end of the season.
Adi HütterOn the role of Thilo Kehrer

His preferred position

I think my best position is central defender. If I play in a system with four defenders, I can play in both positions and if it’s with 3, I find that there is not much difference. I may have a middle and right preference but since I’m comfortable using both feet this will help the team.

The team’s strengths

We have a dynamic team with a lot of technical and individual quality, and many talented young players. There are also internationals and players who have spent time in England or Italy, with attacking strength and a style of play that is pleasing on the eye. There is high pressing and a desire to play with the ball in order to create chances.

A future clash against PSG

It will be good to see my former PSG teammates again, even if I know it won’t be right away. I spent four years there and gained a lot of memories and experience. It was a very positive time, which helped me to develop, although there were inevitably some negatives. I met people who helped me a lot when I was there and I will be very happy to see them again.

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