Jorge Sampaoli
The defensive system without Lorenz Assignon
« With Lorenz Assignon suspended, I could indeed use another system, and his absence opens up this possibility. But what's important for me, whether in defence or attack, is the relationships between the players and, in the case of the defenders, how one will protect the other. We've practised playing four at the back, with a pivot in front of the defence. I'm not closed to any possibility. Above all, the aim is for the team to be solid. »
The opponent
« Monaco are the best team in transition in this league, if not in the world. They are a team that will need complementary players on the pitch. Monaco have always punished the disorganisation of their opponents. »
First matches for Brice Samba and Seko Fofana
« Before talking about leadership, the most important thing for me is what they bring to the pitch. They arrived to make a difference and add solidity. What I can say is that on a day-to-day basis, they are good people. »
The players' state of fitness
« Against Brest, the team gave everything right up to the last minute. We put in a lot of physical effort. I can't fault the players in that respect, they put in a lot of high-intensity running. Frustration means that the team sometimes plays with the handbrake on, but I think we're progressing well in terms of organisation. The physical condition of the players is improving every week because they are working very hard. »
Amine Gouiri
Its state of form
« It's not an easy situation, but physically I'm gradually coming back from my knee problem. I'm working every day in training to get back to my best. Statistically, it's not as good as what I've had before, but I'm aware of that and I'm working. I'm the first to be disappointed because I'm demanding of myself. I know I'm one of the players we're waiting for, and there's still the second half of the season to improve on that. »
The ranking
« There are ups and downs in football, but we came here to play at the top of the table and the league table is unacceptable. There's still the second half of the season to do better and win games. »
Working with Jorge Sampaoli
« We're entitled to individual videos. He knows what I'm capable of, he's demanding with me, we talk a lot and I continue to give my all in training. »
Adi Hütter, AS Monaco coach
« We had an important win against Aston Villa, which gave us confidence, but that was in the Champions League. We know what form we're in now, which means we have to put in more effort. I hope we can repeat that performance against Rennes, an experienced team with an experienced coach. We want to bounce back in the league to get back on track, and we're working hard to do that. I want to see the same attitude shown as against Aston Villa. That's how we'll get out of this situation.»
Matchday 19 Ligue 1 McDonald's
AS Monaco / Stade Rennais F.C.
Saturday 25 January 2025 - 5.00 pm CET
Stade Louis-II
