Philippe Clément, Monaco coach: “It’s the first time that we have nothing to lose”
“President Dimitri Rybolovlev was present Thursday morning at training. What did he tell you?
I’m never going to tell you everything, but it’s not much special. He was happy to be here to support the team ahead of a big game. He is very happy with what is happening at the club and the work everyone is doing.
After a ninth victory in a row, the ASM is second in L1 since last weekend and it is therefore the first time that you have something to lose. Will this change your approach to moving to Lens?
What you are saying is not right, since this is the first time that we have nothing to lose. We have already ensured qualification for the Europa League, an objective of the club because this catch-up course was not so easy. Now, we can earn more things and it’s different from the past months.
“It’s a big final with two teams that want to win and don’t just play to stop the others, it’s good for French football. »
Will you keep informed of the results of your competitors during the match?
For me, it can be important in the last five minutes of the game, depending on the scenario. But there are many where it is not important because it may not change anything. It is important for us to play this game to win. When you start thinking too much about looking at other people, everything becomes much more dangerous. Lens is already a complicated game, because they have won five of their last seven games, with two draws against Paris-SG (1-1) and Nantes (2-2). This match opposes two of the best teams in France, with an offensive style, it is really interesting for the spectators.
What do you fear in Lens?
They have a lot of players with attacking qualities. Clauss followed a great progression, also with the national team. They have other strikers who change a lot, and they’ve all scored. It’s a big final with two teams who want to win and don’t just play to stop the others, it’s good for French football.
Kylian Mbappé could play his last game in L1 this Saturday…
I hope so, because he is so strong (to smile). For me, he is the best player in the world right now, and for the other clubs, it’s less pleasant… It’s up to him to make the decision, but it will be good no matter what: he chooses between good clubs and good Championships. I laugh saying it’s better that he leaves. But it’s the same for the other coaches if he arrives in Spain or England, they will be that they will not prefer at home. »