José-Karl Pierre-Fanfan thrilled by Monaco’s game against PSG
Former player of both clubs, José-Karl Pierre-Fanfan was impressed by Monaco’s performance against PSG on Sunday evening.
the start of the season, Monaco have won only one of their six matches in all competitions. It was on the first day of Ligue 1, on the lawn of Strasbourg.
Sunday evening, at the Parc des Princes, AS Monaco however performed well against PSG, the undefeated leaders of the French championship, by collecting the point of a draw (1-1).
Former Monaco (2001-2003) and PSG (2003-2005) player, José-Karl Pierre Fanfan, now a consultant for Canal+ Internationalanalyzed the match and the start of the Monegasque season in the columns of Nice morning.
Pierre-Fanfan welcomes Clément’s tactical move
“JKPF” says he is reassured by the ASM match against PSG: “I was very worried after the loss against Lens (4-1, during the 3rd day, editor’s note). It smelled of a complicated new season, as if ASM had not learned from its debut in the previous season. […] But on Sunday the Monegasques were all concerned. This Monaco reassured me by its collective investment. This is the first time that PSG has been so jostled, that his opponent does not look at him. Disasi, Maripan and Badiashile remained focused when it is not easy with Neymar and Mbappé who drop out and switch. For Disasi, it’s a reference match. »
Pierre-Fanfan also praises the tactics put in place by Philippe Clément, the Monaco coach: “He had clearly identified the Parisian forces and it should be noted. In addition to marrying the opponent’s system, he came with intentions. From the kick-off, the Monegasques were pressing them high. They really laid siege to Parisian corn. It was quite surprising to see Paris in so much trouble in their outings. Since the start of the season, he was in comfort. Clermont, Montpellier and Lille had been three playful teams but had left him a lot of space and latitude. Monaco, well organised, put on the necessary intensity. »
He also believes that the Fofana-Camara association, in midfield, is very promising: “Camara has set the bar high and it’s a shame he didn’t come sooner. He set the tone in the engagement. What is interesting with him is that he projects himself when Fofana is lower. They showed good complementarity. […] This conquering and qualitative midfielder can be of real importance. As soon as Camara is 100% physically, these two are going to do some good. »
Embolo, Minamino: recruits who disappoint Pierre-Fanfan
On the other hand, he is much more critical of the recruits, starting with Breel Embolo: “He has shown some beginnings, but he still has a small level to overcome, which can be mental or physical. He plays in the Bundesliga, he knows the high level, but Ligue 1 is a different rhythm. Players are often surprised at the intensity. You have to adapt to it when it’s more open in Germany. »
And concerning Takumi Minamino, he is skeptical: “I’m more worried about Minamino. I’m not going to talk about casting error but we often talk about his past at Liverpool. He never played there and I was very surprised to see him sign on the Rock. I am dubious. Sunday, on each duel, he was moved. He is ready in his sequences and on the impression that he thinks that we are going to watch him play. The players are immediately in contact. He has to make the decision faster before letting go of the ball. He is on loan in his decision-making and he undergoes the intensity of the matches. It’s surprising for a guy who comes from the Premier League with the fight there. »