“We are ready to attack the home straight”
Author of 20 appearances in the league this season, the German side of AS Monaco spoke to the media, two days before the trip to Metz (Sunday, 3 p.m.), on behalf of the 30th day of Ligue 1.
He worked with the band in La Turbie during the international break. Appeared 31 times with AS Monaco since his arrival in the Principality, Ismail Jakobs has started better and better with the red and white jersey. Before starting the final sprint in Ligue 1 this Sunday against Metz (kick-off 3 p.m.), the German side spoke of the ambition to fight to the end for European places. Extracts.
The possibility of launching a dynamic after Paris
I do think that this victory against Paris Saint-Germain gave us a lot of positive energy and confidence. In the last two weeks, I have felt even more motivation in the locker room, and it shows every day in training. It’s a good thing for us before attacking this final sprint.
On the European objective
We have nine games left, and nothing is going to be easy, that’s obvious. There will be very competitive competitors facing us. Despite everything, we will try to take match after match and collect as many points as possible. We will then see what it will be possible to win at the end. But Europe obviously remains our priority objective. It’s up to us to get results to get as high as possible.
Everyone knows it’s going to be a difficult match against a team that is playing for its maintenance. Perhaps even more difficult than against PSG! But I would say that we have a conquering state of mind, we really want to win.
On the match against Metz
Work during the international truce
I would say that these last two weeks have allowed us to work a lot physically, to be ready to attack this last straight line of the championship. We have worked well, and since the arrival of the coach I think we have taken a step forward at this level. We were well ahead of Paris on this level. And tactically we have to keep adapting to our opponents.
Avoid the trap facing Metz
Everyone knows it’s going to be a tough game against a team that is fighting to stay in the top flight. Perhaps even more difficult than against PSG! But I would say that we have a conquering state of mind, we really want to win. When you look at our season, it’s true that we sometimes had difficulties against low-ranking teams. But I can’t say that these encounters are any more difficult for us. I can only confirm that Ligue 1 is a very competitive championship.
The level of Ligue 1
I said earlier in the season that I was not surprised by the quality of this league, because there are incredible players in this league, which explains why it is so strong. In the Bundesliga, I also had the opportunity to play against low blocks against poorly ranked teams. Myself, when I played in Cologne, against formations like Bayern Munich for example, we played in a more defensive scheme. You have to know how to adapt, and we will do everything to find the solution against FC Metz, as in the first leg (4-0 success).
A first review of the season
For everyone, I think the season has been marked by ups and downs. Despite everything, we are a young group and I think that there are a lot of positive things to take away from this year together. It is an additional experience that will serve us for the rest of our career. This allowed us to progress, to learn. On a personal level as well, I think there are a lot of lessons to be learned. In any case, I feel very good here.
His status in the team
To be honest, I didn’t expect to start as soon as I arrived at AS Monaco. I came because it’s a fantastic club, which has a history, and it was an incredible opportunity for me to show my qualities. It’s my first season here, and I think I have the confidence of the coach and the club. Caio is having a very good season, so I try to take inspiration from him to be even better. I want to show my qualities.
The World Cup is a very special event. The Nationalmannschaft has the qualities to do great things in this competition. For me the favorites are Germany and Senegal (smile).
On the World Cup draw
His preferred position
It doesn’t matter to me where I have to play, I don’t have a particular preference. I’m always ready to play anywhere in the hallway when the coach calls me. Afterwards I must say that I am more comfortable playing as a left-back.
The World Cup draw
Obviously I dream of playing with the German selection. But to be part of this group, you have to be a club holder. The World Cup is a very special event. The Nationalmannschaft has the qualities to do great things in this competition. For me the favorites are Germany and Senegal (smile). They have very good teams, and I am German with Senegalese origins, so I follow this Lions team with great interest, of course.