Monaco coach Philippe Clement feels “mentally favorite” and assures that “confidence is there” for his team, opposed Tuesday evening to PSV Eindhoven, in the return match of the 3rd preliminary round of C1 (go 1-1).
“The confidence is there”
Philippe Clement (Monaco coach): “The confidence is there. On the other hand, it will be necessary to be realistic against this good PSV, which has a significant offensive force. We are aware of our qualities. The players have worked hard in recent months to be ready. More and more players are. We saw it against Strasbourg (2-1).
Alexander Nübel (gardien de Monaco) : “In the first leg, we played against a strong opponent. But by staying compact, we were good defensively and in transitions. We had the opportunity to win. We expect a good atmosphere there. We can not wait to be there. We have a good chance of winning this match.”
“We have one more year together, a life together. We are stronger collectively. This is an important advantage compared to last season. On a more personal level, for example, I feel more confident.”
“Quality and determination”
nub : “The victory in this stadium last season (2-1 in C3 pools) is not necessarily an advantage. Because the competition is different. Here is a final. We have to win to pass.”
Clement : “(Major match for the season?) I always think of the positive scenario. But if not, it doesn’t change anything. There are still a lot of matches in the league, and a very interesting European Cup to play. Naturally, we are very, very, very determined. But on a final, you can be better and lose due to bad luck. We have the quality, the determination and the physicality and the players always want to play. I like having trouble making my team. Moreover, even if Benoît (Badiashile) and Myron (Boadu) are absent, Caio Henrique returns.
“Improve some details” for penalty shootouts
Clement : “Before the Coupe de France semi-final against Nantes (elimination on penalties, editor’s note), we did a lot of sessions with penalties. I saw players score systematically, like Wissam (Ben Yedder) or Aurélien (Tchouameni). They missed in game. In recent days, we have not worked on penalties. But I mentioned this experience in Nantes with players, including Alex (Nübel). We can improve some details.
nub : “Each game, I do the analysis with the other goalies and our specific coach of the opposing hitters. We did not do a specific session. We always need a little luck. That said, we goalkeepers have less to lose than a striker.
“Mentally favorites”
Clement : “For me, mentally, we are favourites. I’m sure we’re stronger physically. But you have to show it on the pitch. Even if they have the advantage of playing at home, we want to show that we are the best team over two matches.
“You absolutely need rotation. There are so many matches that it’s impossible for a player to play them all. This season, the schedule is even tighter. We must set up a group where everyone is ready. Against PSV and Strasbourg, 18 players took part. Currently, I am satisfied with the behavior of all. It’s crucial to have a good season. Otherwise, it is impossible to have ambitions in three competitions. However, Monaco has these ambitions.
