Jordan Teze: "Confidence isn't going to disappear overnight"

He's currently in excellent form in a wing-back role. Having provided assists for Maghnes Akliouche against Lyon (in a 1-2 win) and Aleksandr Golovin against Olympique de Marseille (a 2-1 victory), Jordan Teze has been performing well on the right flank for Monaco's defense. With a crucial match against AJ Auxerre at the Stade Louis-II just 48 hours away (Sunday, 3 pm), the Dutchman spoke to the press about his feelings and the importance of the game. 🎙️

On the defeat against Paris FC:

It never feels good to lose, even if you've just won seven matches in a row. We know that in Ligue 1, no match is easy, even against the teams at the bottom of the table. Now we just have to react and win the next game; I think that's the best response. We trained well this week, and we also watched footage of Paris FC to see what went wrong and what we need to improve. So we worked on that in training, and I hope we'll show it against Auxerre. My substitution? It was a tactical decision by the coach. Unfortunately, we didn't manage to create many chances in the second half.

Matches against lower-ranked teams

We had a lot of confidence before this match in Paris, and just because we lost doesn't mean that confidence will disappear overnight. We always have to think about how to improve and show it in the matches that follow, starting with this match against Auxerre, who are fighting to stay in the top flight. It's going to be a good contest, a good test ahead of the upcoming challenges.

No more room for error

That's for sure, because we're all very close in the standings in terms of the European places, even though we'll be facing competitors like Lille. But anything is still possible; we're capable of winning the upcoming matches. However, over these last five matchdays, it's clear we can't afford to drop any easy points.

Regarding my status this season:

At first, I thought that being versatile would be a disadvantage, because when everyone else came back, I might not have a place anymore. But I think now I'm really solid in this wing-back position, where I'm able to be dangerous, especially with two assists recently (against Lyon and Marseille), so that gives me even more of a case for being a starter. No matter where the coach puts me, as long as I'm on the pitch I'm happy.

On his excellent pass for Maghnes Akliouche

My favorite pass between the cross for Golo’ and the cross for Maghnes? I think it’s the first one, the one for Maghnes against Lyon, because it’s the most difficult with that long ball in behind!

On the national team

Deep down, I still hope to participate in the World Cup this summer. Obviously, the team remains the most important thing, but I work every day towards that, especially since I've shown in recent months that I can play in many positions. I hope the coach sees that, because this versatility can be useful in such a competition.

This versatility? I can showcase my qualities on the right side of the defense by making crosses and delivering assists, or in midfield by contributing to the game. It's true that there's a lot of competition on the right, with players like Jeremie Frimpong, Denzel Dumfries, and Jurriën Timber, so it's tough! But I think there might still be a little space for me (smiles).

The evolution of Folarin Balogun

I think Balo' has improved a lot in his finishing these past few weeks; he's more efficient, which is very important in his position. I also think he's being given good balls that really utilize his qualities, especially his ability to play in behind and in open spaces.

On the Academy's 50th anniversary

I hope it's going to be a good weekend for AS Monaco and for everyone, especially for this anniversary. We're going to do everything we can to win, I'm very confident about that, and I hope there will be a lot of fans at the stadium to come and support us. It's going to be a good match, especially since there are a lot of players in the squad who came through the youth academy; it's part of the club's DNA, so it's important!