Reactions 17 July 2021, 21:07

Niko Kovac : "The boys responded to the challenge"

After the match against Antwerp, the Croatian technician expressed his satisfaction with the players' showing in the game and the level displayed by the team in general.

In their third friendly ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, AS Monaco left Antwerp with a goalless draw, thus remaining unbeaten in pre-season. This game was an opportunity for Niko Kovac to observe his squad after three weeks of intense preparation. Félix Lemarechal and Maghnes Akliouche made their first pro appearances in the Monegasque jersey. After the match, the Croatian technician expressed his satisfaction with their showing in the game and the level displayed by the team in general.

I'm satisfied because we played with intensity against a great Antwerp team who finished 3rd in the Jupiler Pro League last season and who seem ready to restart the championship next weekend.

Niko KovacAS Monaco coach

Hello Niko. How would you sum up this game ?

This match was a very good test with the return of supporters to the stadium, a factor which added to the competitive atmosphere. I am satisfied because we played with intensity against a great Antwerp team who finished 3rd in the Jupiler Pro League last season and who seem ready to restart the championship next weekend. I found that the boys responded to the challenge, attempting to reproduce what we have been working on for three weeks.

You gave playing time to two young players trained at the Academy. What did you think of them?

The aim was also to rotate and give some playing time to the young players from the Academy and they showed interesting things. We are now going to return to Austria to continue working hard and continue our preparation under the best possible conditions.