There’s a certain buzz around AS Monaco right now, and for good reason. Fresh off a massive, confidence-boosting 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain at the Stade Louis-II, the team is looking to prove it wasn't a fluke. Now, all eyes are on their next challenge: a tricky away trip to Brittany to face Brest. Coach Sébastien Pocognoli sat down with the media to pull back the curtain on the team's mindset, player fitness, and tactical plans for what promises to be a grueling match.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Coach Sébastien Pocognoli stresses that the huge 1-0 win against PSG only matters if they follow it up with a victory against Brest.
- ✓ Paul Pogba is giving "100%, without holding back" in training, but the club is carefully managing his return to full match fitness.
- ✓ Aleksandr Golovin, a seven-year veteran, is described as the man who truly understands the "AS Monaco DNA" and is being pushed to take on more responsibility.
- ✓ The team utilizes specialist coaches for set pieces: Artur Kopyt for attacking plays and Abel Lorincz for defensive situations.
- ✓ Pocognoli discusses the tactical shift to a four-man defence to add an extra attacker, but insists mentality is the true foundation of their game.
The Pogba Plan: A Calculated Return
One of the biggest topics on everyone's mind is, of course, Paul Pogba. The star midfielder's journey back to full fitness is being watched closely, and Pocognoli gave some fascinating insight into the process. He made it clear that Pogba isn't cutting any corners. "He’s been training non-stop. He’s giving 100%, without holding back," the coach shared, painting a picture of intense dedication behind the scenes.
But it’s not just about effort; it's about smart recovery. Pocognoli acknowledged there's "still some work to do on his base fitness," which is perfectly normal and only comes with consistent match play. His appearance against PSG wasn't just a token gesture. It was a calculated move. Down to 10 men and leading 1-0, bringing on a player with Pogba's qualities and experience was, in Pocognoli's words, a "logical choice."
The key here is patience. While he still needs more time before he's a regular starter, the progress is undeniable. What's most encouraging is Pogba's mindset. Pocognoli praised him for being "very clear-headed, objective, and positive about the process." He’s listening to his body and trusting the plan, which the coach says shows "great character." It’s all positives on that front, and the plan is to gradually increase his playing time when the moment is right.
Unlocking 'Golo': The Heartbeat of Monaco
While Pogba's return grabs headlines, Pocognoli spent significant time highlighting another crucial midfielder: Aleksandr Golovin. Having been with the club for seven years, Golovin is part of the furniture, and the coach sees him as the embodiment of the club's spirit. "If anyone truly understands the AS Monaco DNA, it’s him," Pocognoli stated emphatically. It's clear he sees 'Golo' as more than just a player; he's a standard-bearer.
Since Pocognoli's arrival, Golovin has seen plenty of playing time, a deliberate move to empower him. The coach believes that if Golovin can find consistency, Monaco will have a "truly top-level player." He's already showing flashes, with strong performances against Tottenham, Nantes, Bodø/Glimt, and of course, PSG. The final ingredients? Consistency and confidence. Pocognoli is actively pushing him, helping him "take responsibility and motivate him so he can become part of the team."
Golovin himself echoed this sentiment, revealing that the coach helps him "feel freer on the pitch, to think less about certain tactical aspects." This trust seems to be paying off. The Russian international, who provided the assist for the winning goal against PSG, also highlighted the unwavering commitment of President Dmitry Rybolovlev, noting that his constant presence is "very important for us."
Inside the Tactical Playbook
Modern football is a game of fine margins, and Pocognoli shed some light on how Monaco is looking for every possible edge. He spoke about the team's approach to set pieces, revealing they have dedicated specialists on staff. Artur Kopyt, who worked with him at Union Saint-Gilloise, handles all the attacking set pieces, while Abel Lorincz is the expert on the defensive side. It’s a common setup, but the coach stressed that communication and alignment are everything.
The conversation then shifted to the team's overall defensive shape. Pocognoli admitted he was initially happy with a three-man defense, but a run of three straight defeats forced a rethink. "When you suffer three consecutive defeats without creating enough chances and you concede goals, you have to improve," he explained. The switch to a four-man defence was a practical decision, allowing for "an extra attacking player capable of making an impact."
However, he was quick to point out that the three-man system isn't dead and buried; it will likely return to make the team less predictable. The bottom line for Pocognoli isn't about formations. "The most important thing, and the foundation of everything, is mentality, regardless of the system," he asserted. The principles of hard work and desire, seen against Tottenham and Paris, are non-negotiable.
The Brest Fortress: A True Test of Character
Ultimately, all this preparation leads to one place: the Stade Francis-Le Blé. Pocognoli didn't mince words about the challenge ahead. He knows that the euphoria of the PSG win can evaporate quickly if they don't show up. "This victory against PSG will only be truly meaningful if we play well against Brest and win," he stated. That one sentence perfectly captures the team's focus.
He described Brest as a team with "a lot of physical quality and a strong presence in duels," playing in a "different environment." Golovin's description of it as one of the "toughest away trips" certainly backs this up. Pocognoli views this match as the ultimate litmus test. "Our teamwork will be tested; there’s no better match to test us," he said. The directive for his players is clear: they must "show the same impact, desire, and aggression as we did against Paris." Anything less, and they'll fall right into Brest's trap.
Conclusion
So, what's the big picture? AS Monaco is a team riding a wave of confidence but with its feet planted firmly on the ground. The focus isn't on celebrating the past but on building the future, one tough match at a time. With key players like Pogba being intelligently managed and veterans like Golovin stepping up, the pieces are in place. The upcoming battle with Brest is more than just a game; it's a statement of intent, a chance to prove that the victory over PSG was the start of something special, not just a memorable one-off.
