AS Monaco is gearing up for a challenging match against Montpellier, with coach Adi Hutter sharing his thoughts on the team’s defensive improvement, squad rotation, goalkeeping situation, Montpellier’s threats, and the upcoming Centenary celebrations.
Defensive Improvement
Coach Adi Hutter emphasized the team’s defensive progress, stating, “We are focusing more on our defensive work this season. The team is doing very well, defending better than last year, regardless of changes in the defensive lineup. It’s a progression, and I am pleased with the improvement.” Hutter highlighted the team’s collective effort in defending, including the involvement of offensive players like Eliesse and Maghnes in the defensive tasks.
He also praised the performance of Wilfried Singo, mentioning, “Everyone has an important role in this group. Wilfried was our best defender last season, but there is strong competition this year. We have four players in the central defender position capable of making a positive impact.” Hutter emphasized the importance of the entire team contributing to defensive efforts to achieve success on the field.
Squad Rotation
With a busy schedule ahead, Hutter discussed the need for squad rotation to manage player fatigue and ensure peak performance. He acknowledged the challenge of playing multiple matches in a short period, emphasizing the importance of utilizing substitutes effectively to maintain the team’s competitive edge. Hutter praised the impact of George and Eliesse, who scored crucial goals coming off the bench in recent matches.
He emphasized the importance of every player being ready to contribute, regardless of playing time, stating, “It doesn’t matter if you play five or fifteen minutes; you can still be decisive. Everyone understands the club’s objectives this season, and rotation is crucial to maintain player fitness and performance levels.”
Goalkeeping Situation
Hutter addressed the goalkeeping dilemma, with Philipp Kohn impressing in recent matches while Radoslaw Majecki returns to fitness. Hutter commended Kohn’s performance, noting his improvement and reliability in goal. He mentioned monitoring Majecki’s progress and fitness level to determine his readiness to return to the starting lineup.
“We have three games coming up this week, and I am fully focused on making the best decision for the team,” Hutter stated, underscoring the importance of having depth in the squad to handle various situations and maintain competitiveness.
Montpellier’s Threats
Looking ahead to the match against Montpellier, Hutter identified key threats posed by their opponents, including set-piece specialist Teji Savanier and striker Akor Adams. He emphasized the need to be cautious of Montpellier’s attacking transitions and highlighted the importance of maintaining focus and defensive solidity to secure a positive result.
“We are fully focused on Montpellier because they are a strong team. If we play at our best, we should be able to win this match,” Hutter remarked, emphasizing the team’s preparedness and strategic approach to facing their opponents.
Centenary Celebrations
The upcoming Centenary celebrations add an extra layer of significance to the match against Montpellier, as AS Monaco commemorates 100 years of rich history and tradition. Hutter expressed excitement about the milestone event, noting the presence of former players and coaches to mark the occasion.
“We are proud to be part of this historic moment and will be fully focused on the match to honor the club’s legacy. The Centenary match against Montpellier is a special event, and we aim to deliver a strong performance to celebrate this milestone,” Hutter stated, highlighting the team’s determination to secure a victory on this memorable occasion.
As AS Monaco remains undefeated and joint-top of the league standings, Hutter’s team is poised to continue their impressive form and secure a victory in what promises to be a special night at the Stade Louis II. With a strong focus on defensive improvement, squad rotation, and tactical preparation, AS Monaco is prepared to face the challenge posed by Montpellier and strive for success in their Centenary match.