‘Our attackers need to be more selfish’… AS Monaco coach Philippe Clement analyzes his team’s attacking concerns
On the questioning of the 3-4-3 in view of the concerns in the animation…
“It’s not just a question of animation. Against Ferencvaros, our pace of play was really low in the first half. It was better in the second because we dominated. Your questions would have been different before they scored. We were in their box a lot of times after the break. We caused problems for this team. We can say that we were alone in front of goal five times. Getting there is not easy for any club. They have resisted those moments. They won with a transition and a blocked ball twice. It’s hard to lose those three points.”
On the progress to be made
“We have to shoot better and manage the last place with more quality. We have to move together to find spaces for each other. We don’t always have to run from one point to another. It would be too easy to “defending for the opponent. This is also the case if the leading attacker does not move or stays behind the defenders. You can also combine better with midfielders and pistons.”
On the worries at the finish
“We have to train and have confidence in ourselves. There is no elixir for scoring goals. Otherwise, it would be expensive (smile). We also need our attackers to be more selfish. The players are sometimes too collective in the last gesture. When you have the chance to finish an action, you have to do it. We also had a lot of great games and little time in between to work on our automatisms. We are progressing but we need time. Maybe that some players also lack freshness. We are the team that has played the most games in France this season.”
Akliouche is not far from knowing his first tenure in Ligue 1
On the game in Reims
“We will have to do the work. I saw their matches against Lyon and Lens, two teams that play forward. They had difficulty breaking through the Reims wall. We don’t easily create chances. It’s certain.”
On the possibility of going back to 4-4-2 to revive Ben Yedder?
“Wissam hasn’t scored a lot in the last few weeks but he’s had such spells before. And the team was playing 4-4-2… It’s not like he didn’t have a chance. chances. When Wissam has two chances, he usually scores at least one goal. He is not 50% successful at the moment but that can change quickly. He has automatisms with Kevin but Kevin is currently injured. He must create new relationships with others.
On a first tenure of Maghnes Akliouche?
“He’s not far from it. I’m sure he’ll start a game in the next few weeks. He’s grown up recently and that’s how he came into play in Paris or against Ferencvaros. last year he was like that (points to his little finger). He has gained weight since. In duels, he is more active and strong. Previously, he was a good player with the ball but he did not do enough without “He got those things today. He’s focused and committed. He works well every day. He has to take it step by step but if he keeps that mindset I’m sure he’ll become a great Monegasque player.”
On the absentees for the match
“Kevin (Volland) and Guillermo (Maripan) are unavailable. For the rest, a few players have sores. They will be in the squad, I was planning to start some of them, but I still have uncertainties about them. I don’t I won’t say more. I don’t want the opponents to know where they are hurting.”