Faes and Kehrer's reaction after the stunning victory at Lens
They secured a landmark victory to set the tone for the rest of the season. Trailing 2-0 before the hour mark, AS Monaco’s players turned the game around to win 3-2 at Lens, the league leaders having won their last 10 home matches. Joyous duo Wout Faes and Thilo Kehrer spoke in the mixed zone after the victory. Excerpts. 🎙️
Good evening, Wout. What’s your analysis of this crazy victory?
I think that apart from the first 15 minutes, we dominated them. We were well on our game, pressing them in their own half. The game plan was followed well even though the start wasn’t great. After that, we reacted properly, remained united, and focused. Being able to score three goals in 10 minutes shows that our response was very strong.
On the hour mark, we told ourselves that we had to stay positive and keep following the coach’s plan because we felt it was working despite the rough start. We could see that they were making mistakes when we put them under pressure, since we had created a few chances in the first half.
𝐑𝐞́𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 ✅
Solidaires et déterminés, nos joueurs ont su inverser la tendance pour s’imposer 2️⃣-3️⃣ !
#RCLASM pic.twitter.com/Z5WKYnW38e— AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) February 21, 2026
This victory shows that the group is capable of rising to the occasion…
We proved it, and as I said in the dressing room, it was great to see everyone fighting together and united. If we can play with that intensity, we’re going to have a lot of fun with the ball because we have very good players. At 2-0, we could have thought it would be difficult, but we showed a strong response. If we can do it here against a team that had won 10 matches in a row, we can do it anywhere. We have to believe, keep working hard, and show the same cohesion.
What could this victory change for the rest of the season?
We know what we need to do to climb the standings,but we take it one match at a time. We have to stay humble because we’re coming from far behind, but if we keep going like this, I’m convinced we’ll move in the right direction and start looking upwards, because we’re not yet where we need to be. We’ve been working well on the fundamentals over the past few weeks, and that’s helping us get results, as we also have a good team.
Do you feel the team is gaining confidence after these recent results?
Absolutely. When you win and pick up points, confidence grows, but as I said, we have to stay humble while enjoying this victory. After that, we’ll need to recover quickly for the upcoming matches.
De la joie ce soir 😍
2️⃣-3️⃣ #RCLASM pic.twitter.com/hirHaWyDu4
— AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) February 21, 2026
Do you think the three-man system used again today is the best?
It’s hard to say because it depends on the opponent and the way you set up. It’s up to the coach to decide, but I think we’re capable of playing in different systems, which is a big strength – being able to adapt during a match. I’ve played in both a three- and four-man defence in my career, and it’s the same for my teammates.
Thilo Kehrer’s reaction
Good evening, Thilo. What do you take away from this incredible performance?
We came here today believing in ourselves and thinking that it was possible to take points, even though we were playing a confident team that was at the top of the table. We saw on the field why they were so high up, but we managed to step up despite a difficult situation. Being two goals down was mentally tough, but we were able to react. We’re happy to have come back, and we need to take this positive energy and carry it into the upcoming matches.
Can this match serve as a turning point for the rest of the season?
That’s what we hope. It’s always easier said than done. We are capable, but it requires a huge commitment. We need to try to do more, even if it’s difficult, or at least maintain the same standard. If we can do that, using our individual qualities in key moments, anything is possible.
𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 😍
2️⃣-3️⃣ #RCLASM pic.twitter.com/pZl1Cs1txH
— AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) February 21, 2026
What did you say to each other on the pitch to achieve this outcome?
Before the match, we told ourselves that we had to believe in ourselves and think that it was possible, even though we weren’t the favourites given the season and the standings, and even less so when we were 2-0 down. That’s the beauty of football; anything is always possible, even in very difficult situations. Today’s match proved that once again.
What is your opinion on the three-man defence that has helped to deliver positive results?
The three-man defence gives us stability, but we’ve also been solid with four defenders. The key is attitude, team spirit, work, and intensity. If the fundamentals aren’t there, individual quality naturally dips. On the other hand, we’ve seen that it shines more when the fundamentals are in place, as illustrated by the goals today. Playing with four or five at the back is a tactical choice and a matter of detail, but the fundamentals need to be there in every match.
𝐔𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞̀𝐬 𝐚𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞̀𝐫𝐞 💪
2️⃣-3️⃣ #RCLASM pic.twitter.com/E9GnBLEdA5
— AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) February 21, 2026
A word on Denis Zakaria, who scored a powerful header…
The joy and passion with the supporters was a fantastic image after his goal. We sometimes joke because he doesn’t want to head the ball. It was a very important goal for the team. He has also contributed through his leadership and defensive performance. We’re very happy to have him with us, as well as others who help us with their energy and qualities. That’s what makes the difference.
Now we’ll need to produce a similar comeback in Paris on Wednesday…
We’ll have to play at a high level again against a team that, along with Lens, are the strongest in France this season. We’ll need to deliver a great performance, fight hard, and maintain the right mindset. We saw it today, especially in the second half, where we were able to turn the match around.
