The Rouge et Blanc now know their future opponents in Conference League. Following Thursday’s draw in Monaco, Filipe Luís’ men will face six teams: Freiburg, Brighton, Lincoln Red Imps, Hearts of Midlothian, Nordsjaelland and CSKA Sofia. After the verdict, the Club’s CEO, Thiago Scuro, spoke to the media.
Thiago, what is your feeling about this draw?
First of all, it’s a pleasure to be here and to take part in a new European competition for the very first time. The Conference League will be a source of hope for us and for our supporters. We will have some great matches to play here at the Stade Louis-II, but also away from home. Playing on Thursdays and then again in Ligue 1 on Sundays is not easy, but we will make the most of our presence in this C4.
Including a high-profile fixture against Brighton…
Yes, that’s true. These are the kinds of teams you can expect to face in this competition, and that’s important. I believe these high-level matches will attract a lot of attention. In any case, it’s a great challenge for us this season alongside Ligue 1 McDonald’s and the Coupe de France. But to look further ahead in this Conference League, we first need to deliver strong performances in the league phase, and that is essential for us.
In recent seasons, we’ve seen top teams win this trophy and enjoy great moments in the tournament. For us, it’s an opportunity to play high-level football and face big clubs from different countries.
Thiago Scuro, AS Monaco CEO
What is your view of this Conference League?
It’s a new competition created by UEFA that allows other European clubs, perhaps less well known, to showcase themselves on the continental stage. In recent seasons, we’ve seen top teams win this trophy and enjoy great moments in the tournament. For us, it’s an opportunity to play high-level football and face big clubs from different countries. We obviously hope to go as far as possible in this competition.
What is AS Monaco’s objective?
Of course, in a competition like this, people expect us to be among the favourites, and that’s fair. But first we need to approach every match with seriousness and respect for our opponents in this regular phase. It will be important to collect points and aim to finish in the Top 8, as that provides an advantage in this C4. Moreover, there will be no matches in January, a month in which we have struggled over the past two years due to the heavy schedule. In any case, we must learn from each matchday and approach our games with intensity and energy.
Is it still necessary to sell before the end of the transfer window?
Yes, it’s important for us to complete one more transfer before Tuesday’s deadline. It’s not easy, because at the end of the window there are a lot of movements everywhere. But we are ready to make the necessary decisions to meet our commitment to the DNCG to reduce the wage bill and respect our financial plan. The most important thing today is to see that we have many young players on the pitch who are showing good values and performing well since the start of the season. I hope the team will continue to progress this year!
We are very pleased with him so far, both in terms of his personality and the playing principles he brings. I think he will help AS Monaco to develop a better game with the ball. (...) He has all the tools to make the team progress, and in any case it was important to start with a win.
Thiago Scuro, AS Monaco CEO
A word on the first big match against Marseille this Sunday…
I believe it’s a major test for AS Monaco, for OM, and also a great fixture for Ligue 1 McDonald’s. Playing this match in the second round of the league is not easy for either team, especially with the issues to manage during the summer. But I think we should enjoy it, because it’s a clash between two of the league’s biggest clubs here in Monaco.
How do you assess Filipe Luís’ start on the bench?
We are very pleased with him so far, both in terms of his personality and the playing principles he brings. I think he will help AS Monaco to develop a better game with the ball, after a few years with a very physical, aggressive team with a lot of intensity, but perhaps lacking something in possession. He has all the tools to make the team progress, and in any case it was important to start with a win.
I knew him before — he began his coaching career at Flamengo, following a natural process by first managing the U17s and then the U20s before taking charge of the first team. And he did so successfully, as Flamengo is now one of the most competitive clubs in South America, and it was also his last club as a player. He has the knowledge, experience and adaptability to succeed here at Monaco, so we are very happy and confident in the way we are working together.
