“A Champions League level match”
AS Monaco welcomes Real Sociedad this Thursday (9 p.m.) on the occasion of the 5th day of the Europa League. Before this poster, Niko Kovac was at a press conference. Extracts.
It’s the return of European games at the Stade Louis-II. Unbeaten and first in its group with eight points, two ahead of Real Sociedad and three over PSV Eindhoven, AS Monaco welcomes the Basque club this Thursday (9 p.m.) on the occasion of the 5e Europa League day. In case of victory, the Red and White ensure their qualification for the round of 16 of the competition. It is therefore with his eyes turned towards this objective that Niko Kovac presented himself at a press conference, including the main excerpts.
From the first few minutes we will try to win, and if in the end we draw, then of course we will take that point. But we will start to get the victory and I hope that tomorrow night, after the game, we will have a smile.
AS Monaco coach
The group’s “finale”
I would say we have two match points. Tomorrow is an important game and a victory meaning that the first place is assured, so that is obviously our goal. A draw would also take us in the right direction, but as competitors we will win. It’s a very important game, but we have two battles left in the Europa League.
Approach to the match
We respect our opponent, and tomorrow it’s a Champions League level match because Real Sociedad is fighting for the title in Spain and played very well in the first leg (1-1). It’s not possible to play with a draw in mind, so our ambition will be to attack, score goals and win this game. From the first few minutes we will try to win, and if in the end we draw, then of course we will take that point. But we will start to get the victory and I hope that tomorrow night, after the game, we will have a smile.
Krépin Diatta’s injury
We are obviously all very sad and disappointed. It appears to be a long-lasting injury, but we don’t know exactly how long he will be out yet. We hope he will come back soon, even stronger. Krépin has had good times since his arrival but also had small problems or bad luck. We are a family, we are with him and we hope to see him again soon.
Medical point before AS Monaco – Real Sociedad.https://t.co/X4EVu9ThWN
– AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) November 24, 2021
The good results of French clubs in European Cups
It should first be remembered that the national team is world champion, and it is true that the results of clubs on the European scene are improving. Portuguese clubs are pushing behind so we have to get points for the UEFA ranking. It’s good to see that the French clubs are performing well and are in a good position to get through the first phase. Ligue 1 is a little underestimated championship, but with these results we can place a little higher in the hierarchy. This is what French football deserves.