He simply cannot be stopped at the start of this season. Back in Monaco’s starting line-up after serving a one-match suspension in Ligue 1 against Toulouse (2-2), Paris Brunner played a major role in the Rouge et Blanc’s victory away to CSKA Sofia in their UEFA Conference League opener (1-2). Scorer of his seventh goal of the campaign in all competitions, the German forward shared his thoughts in the mixed zone after the match. Reaction 🎙️

Good evening, Paris. It wasn’t easy, but it was crucial to start with a win...

It was very tough tonight against a good Sofia side. They put us under a lot of pressure and the atmosphere in the stadium was intense, but the most important thing was getting the win. Now we can focus on the next Ligue 1 match in Lorient.

You must be pleased to be back tonight after your suspension?

It’s never easy for me to be suspended, but whenever the team needs me, I always give 100% for the group, and that’s what matters most to me. I’ve already spoken about it, but I regret what I did and I’m taking it as a lesson for the future. That’s football, and now I’m looking forward to being back in the league against Lille next weekend.

What will the team need to do against Freiburg to avoid making life difficult for itself?

The coach will tell us what we need to improve. Right now, it’s still a bit too soon after the match for me to have real perspective on it. But the important thing, as I keep saying, is that we won, and we’ll use that confidence going into the next game. Freiburg ? I’m German and I’ll be playing against a team from my home country, so naturally it’s special. I’ll probably give even a little bit more than usual (smiles).

A word on Takumi Minamino and Mohammed Salisu, who are both back after long injury lay-offs...

I’m really happy for them because it hasn’t been easy during all that time. Every day I saw how hard they were working and how much effort they were putting in to come back. Now they’re finally back, and I’m very happy for them.

Tonight I gave 100% on the pitch in my first game back. It wasn’t a perfect performance, either from the team or from myself, because I still haven’t fully rediscovered the sensations I had before my injury. Physically, though, I feel good, and before the match I was confident I could play at least 45 minutes. The last few months have been difficult, even though I worked really well over recent weeks during the international break with the fitness staff to make sure I was ready. I’ve regained my confidence, and I’m now very happy to be back out on the pitch.

Takumi Minamino

Can you tell us about your relationship with Ansu Fati, who scored from your assist?

We spoke before the match and said we should try to find each other whenever possible. It worked with his goal, so that’s great. It shows the connection is there!

Talk us through your goal that opened the scoring.

I wasn’t really involved in the move at first. Stanis (Idumbo) tried to get a shot away, but as a proper number nine I was there waiting around, and it allowed me to score (smiles)! For me, the most important thing is that the team wins. Individual achievements come second, even if I’m proud to be the top scorer. My ambition is to score as many goals as possible in every game. That’s a real motivation for me.

How is the competition between all the forwards in the dressing room?

The connection between all of us is really good, whether it’s with Balo’ (Folarin Balogun), Matthis (Abline) or Mika (Biereth). If one of us is playing, the others are there to support him, and it works both ways.

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