Six points from six! After beating Le Havre last weekend (0-1), AS Monaco continued their winning run in this clash with Olympique de Marseille at the Stade Louis-II, producing a dominant display in all areas (2-0). Paris Brunner, who scored both goals, spoke to the media in the mixed zone. Excerpts 🎙️
Good evening, Paris. How do you feel after your performance and your two goals?
I’m very happy and I feel confident after scoring these two goals. After the match, I went to see my family, who were very happy, just like all my teammates. They push me every day in training, so being able to put in a performance like this is obviously a fantastic feeling.
Can you describe your fabulous second goal?
Geoffrey Kondogbia was right behind me and I saw the space behind me. I used my body to get the better of him in the race. I tried to get away from him, it worked, and then I was able to score. (Your best goal of your career?) I think I scored better goals at youth level, but this is certainly one of the most important.
Did you feel confident after the first half, in which you won most of your duels against Geoffrey Kondogbia?
Of course. It was a tough battle against him because he is a good defender. He could win some of the duels, but for me the most important thing was to focus on the next ones. I won the most important duel, which is why I managed to score.
AS Monaco are top of the table. Is that important to you after two matchdays?
Of course, because we want to stay near the top, but the most important thing is to win and keep winning. Now we have to focus on the next match against PSG, which will also be difficult. We’ll get a good rest tonight, but we’ll start focusing on that game tomorrow.
In every training session, I try to work on every aspect of my game, whether with my feet or my head. I think I’ve improved in every area. My goal is to push myself every day, and then it’s up to the coach to decide whether I play or not.
Paris Brunner
What happened this summer to bring about such a transformation?
A new coach arrived and the situation changed. He gives me his confidence every day, after every training session and every match I play. You could see that on the pitch tonight. (Greater maturity?) In every training session, I try to work on every aspect of my game, whether with my feet or my head. I think I’ve improved in every area. My goal is to push myself every day, and then it’s up to the coach to decide whether I play or not. If I do, I’m happy and I’ll give my maximum; otherwise, I’ll be happy for him and wait for my moment.
Are you happy with what you saw defensively tonight?
I want to say yes, but you should ask the coach (smiles). I think defending is one of the most important things for him, and if we don’t run back, he’ll be angry afterwards.
Do you think things will become more difficult for you now that opposing defenders know you?
That’s exactly what I want. I want defenders to know that I’m a very dangerous player. I like going up against good defenders, so I’ll try to improve even more. That’s why I play football!
Do you feel you’ve reached the level you wanted after particularly impressing with Germany U17?
Yes, but you can always improve. It’s always good to think back to my performance with Germany at the U17 World Cup, but I’m not 17 anymore, I’m 20 now. I’m a man now (smiles). (On the national team) I’m always thinking about the national team. My mother is Congolese and my father is German, but I’m not focusing on that. I’m only focused on my performances right now, and we’ll see what happens next.
