“We will have to be ready for this challenge against Brest”

On By Littum

On the eve of a visit from Stade Brestois, for matchday 12 in Ligue 1, the Monegasque manager appeared at a press conference determined to find success at home.

AS Monaco start a final round of eight games before the winter break. And what better way to start than with a match at Champions League level against Brest on Friday (7pm) at the Stade Louis-II. With five straight wins against this team, is Rouge et Blanc would like to continue this series, in order to prepare as best as possible for the match against Benfica on Wednesday. It is with this in mind that Adi Hütter introduced himself at the press conference.

This is not the first time we have been in this situation. The most important thing is that we were able to bounce back before this break with two away wins in Bologna and Strasbourg. We will face a good team from Brest.

Adi HütterOn Friday’s match

A visit from Brest on Friday

The match comes so soon after the international break that it is not easy to prepare for. But this is not the first time we have been in this situation. The most important thing is that we were able to bounce back before this break with two away wins in Bologna and Strasbourg. We will face a good team from Brest. Although they have struggled in Ligue 1, they are fourth in the Champions League. I like this team and coach Eric Roy. It is a strong team and we must be ready for this challenge.

Brest, a team with two faces

It is not easy for Brest because it is the first time they participate in the Champions League. They also have 10 points like us, but are coming off two defeats in Ligue 1 against Nice and Montpellier. This last defeat was a bit of a surprise. I know this team, they have a clear 4-3-3 structure most of the time.

Pierre Lees-Melou is probably the leader of this group, Ludovic Ajorque is solid and fast. Everyone knows Romain Del Castillo. Kenny Lala is also a good crosser and sends good balls into Ajorque. We will have to take care of the second ball and prepare for a big game.

AS Monaco, a major opponent?

I won’t say that because we respect every opponent. As I already said, Brest had a great season last year and are currently performing well in the Champions League. They have kept a good stability, the coach has become. Ludovic Ajorque has the same profile as Steve Mounié. Playing two competitions is completely different, it’s another challenge for them.

So we have a lot of respect for this team. We must not play in the same way as against Angers, where this game was a big disappointment. Fortunately, we reacted well afterwards in Bologna and then in Strasbourg and did not give up. I was very happy with this reaction.

I prefer us to be better in the second half because it shows our good physical condition. It also proves that our preseason was a success to best manage these two competitions while waiting for the Coupe de France. We also make a big rotation and today we have 18-19 top players who can make the difference at any time.

Adi HütterOn the team’s strong play in the second half

Favorable statistics in the 2nd half

I prefer us to be better in the second half because it shows our good physical condition. It also proves that our preseason was a success to best manage these two competitions while waiting for the Coupe de France. We also make a big rotation and today we have 18-19 top players who can make the difference at any time. As a coach, of course I want my team to perform during the 90 minutes, but it is not always easy.

The ability of players to return

We cannot compare the two defeats against Nice and Angers. We dominated the first half in Nice before conceding a goal and being reduced to ten months before the break. It is true that the first half against Angers was not good, but in my opinion we tried to come back in the second half, except that the SCO was also very good.

After that match, during a meeting, we were clear in telling the players that if we managed to play our style of play, it would be difficult for the opponents to beat us. If, on the other hand, we don’t, everyone can manage to take the three points.

At Soungoutou Magassa

In Nice he was not expected to start, but Denis was injured on his last shot during the warm-up. It is therefore not easy for a young player to play in these conditions and I took the decision to replace him at half-time.

I then had a good conversation with him, he proved to me that he was a great player by showing me to training and that he was able to play. He was very good in Bologna and Strasbourg. He was able to show the reaction of a professional player. We’ll see if he gets back in the lineup tomorrow.