They were punished by the Sky Blues’ efficiency in transition. Facing the Premier League newcomers managed by Frank Lampard in their final pre-season fixture, AS Monaco were beaten 2-0 by a clinical Coventry side. Filipe Luís spoke to the media to discuss the match and, more broadly, the Monégasques’ pre-season. Excerpts 🎙️
Good evening, coach. What are your thoughts on the match?
Today, the opposition were clearly better than us. They were more solid, more focused and they will be playing in the Premier League this season. When you make mistakes against teams like this, you get punished. So we need to keep working and improving. The start of the season is approaching, and I now know a lot about my players, what they can bring and about my team in general.
What have you learned with regard to the starting XI that will line up for the first competitive match next Thursday?
First and foremost, I wanted to build connections between the players during this preparation, and that is what pre-season matches are for: testing things. We now need to find solutions in positions where we currently lack options. But, as I said, pre-season is about testing combinations and creating an understanding between the players.
Will Denis Zakaria be physically ready to face Górnik Zabrze?
He started today, and it was really important for him to play and get minutes under his belt, especially as he was the last player to return from the World Cup. He therefore needs this playing time to regain his feel for the ball and reconnect with the team. I think he will obviously be available.
What do you make of this Polish side, your next opponent in the UEFA Conference League play-offs?
I have watched their matches, particularly their last two UEFA Europa League play-off games against Ferencváros. They have dangerous players and they are a really good team, we know that, especially as it is very difficult to play away at their ground. That is what I know for now, but I need to study them even more before our first leg.
Tell us about the competition you are creating in defence.
Nobody has a guaranteed place in this team! I like to create competition between the players, and for me that is the only way they can develop, because they want to fight for their place in the team. This squad will improve, that is certain. It was a difficult match for everyone today, not just for Sadibou Sané and Eric Dier, who is an experienced player, because Coventry are a solid team and very quick in transition. They caused us problems with long balls on several occasions in particular. But that is the level of the Premier League. They seemed too comfortable defending against us, and we lacked speed in our passing to attack the spaces. Honestly, they showed some very good things tonight, so I want to congratulate them!
