Philippe Clément (Monaco coach): “When you do things well, the results always follow”
“Where are Guillermo Maripan and Gelson Martins, who were absent last week?
I can’t say anything definitive about them, but it’s going to be tough to get both ready for the game. We will see tomorrow (Thursday) post workout. They didn’t train with the group, only individually. For “Mari”, I have a big doubt. Gelson, it’s muscle discomfort (adductors). We have to watch how it evolves.
How do you judge the evolution of Kevin Volland, who is coming out of a complicated period?
I know he had pain since August, in his ankle. When I saw him move in recent games and in training, it was different than in the previous three months. He received an infiltration during the truce to eliminate his pain and that freed him. I hope it will stay like this until the end of the season. That he is in good shape can change a lot of things for the team, because then he can still be dangerous.
Kevin Volland has scored in his last two appearances in Ligue 1, his first two goals in the Championship in 2022. (F. Porcu/L’Équipe)
You organized a team building operation last week, with paintball and a barbecue on the program. Did you feel that the group needed it?
Having connections between players is a very important thing. The more things you do together around the field, the more you will do together on the field. Several players said that the group lacked this kind of thing, to do activities together outside of training. It wasn’t just with the players, it was also with all the people who worked at La Turbie. I saw a lot of enthusiasm from everyone.
“Here, I don’t want us to feel like we’re coming to work in a factory, I want to create a family where we do special things”
When you feel good in your work environment, it gives something more to the field. I still have other ideas for the following months. It is important. Working hard is the most important choice. But you also have to do pleasant things in your work environment. Here, I don’t want us to feel like we’re coming to a factory, I want to create a family where we do special things.
Do you think you will still be able to catch up with Rennes and Marseille to finish on the podium?
You already know what I’m gonna say (to smile). Everything is still possible. Except being a champion in view of the points behind PSG (21 points, seven days from the end). But all other things are still possible, including the Champions League. And not just for us.
Do you perceive this good series (4 wins in 5 days) as a personal revenge after the criticisms you have suffered on your work?
No. With social networks and all the analysts there are, we live in a world where there are a lot of opinions. This is how it is, this is our life. I know what we do here with the players. I really believe that when there is time to work with a band, you can do great things. I was already convinced of this here two months ago. When you do things really well every day, the results always follow. »