After the defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League play-offs (2-3), Monaco coach Sébastien Pocognoli spoke at a press conference. Facing journalists, the Belgian technician wanted to put things into perspective and look forward to the second round scheduled for February 25 at the Parc des Princes. The 38-year-old obviously weighed the pros and cons. “Regrets, we will talk about it after the return match. We’re going to talk about what we could have done better, like that, we’re going to leave the door open for the second match. We could have kept the ball better, yes, but when we play against a team that has almost 75% possession, it’s difficult to stay fresh, because we run a lot without the ball.”.
Before adding a more optimistic touch: “My positive takeaway is that we played well on our two goals. Afterwards, we could have pressed a little higher. I am also satisfied with the way we defended with 10 men which allows us to foresee a return match with still a lot to play for.. Despite the expulsion of Aleksandr Golovin (29 years old) and the numerical inferiority, Pocognoli thus underlined the solidity of the Monegasque team and its ambition for the return match, which promises to be grandiose in the capital.
