Philippe Clément (Monaco coach): “We have to be really good”
“With what ambitions do you approach this Europa League, after the elimination in the third preliminary round of the Champions League by PSV Eindhoven (1-1, 2-3 ap)?
We have a very interesting group, with three other teams who are defending champions in their country. Whether it’s here, against Trabzonspor or Ferencvaros, we’re going to play in full and hot stadiums, with a lot of very committed supporters behind their club. I think there are no big differences between the four clubs. Belgrade has a lot of experience in Europe, can rely on several 30-year-olds, we will have to be really good to get a result here.
“We are very motivated to play in the Europa League. It’s our challenge, everyone is focused on it.”
Like you, the Red Star dreamed of the Champions League but was eliminated in the C1 play-offs…
The Champions League is a dream for many clubs, but it’s a difficult road. It’s over now, we’re not going to go back on that, we’re very motivated to play in the Europa League. This is our challenge, everyone is focused on it.
Have you spoken particularly in recent days with Wissam Ben Yedder, your captain who was disappointed not to play against Nice (1-0, Sunday), and who left the bench before returning at the end of the match?
He was in the toilet, and it’s been a big story for three days already in France (smile). It’s a little weird for me… But he was very smiling on Monday, you saw him at the inauguration of the training center.
You have been playing with three defenders since the match in Paris (1-1, August 28). Does this mean that you have found the right formula?
There are two good formulas, with four or three defenders. We also played good games with four defenders. »