Sébastien Pocognoli: "Be involved and give everything for the team"

Build on the positive form of recent weeks. Unbeaten in five league matches (3 wins, 2 draws) and close to putting out PSG in the Champions League playoffs, the AS Monaco players will now want to continue their winning streak when they host Angers this Saturday (7pm) at the Stade Louis-II. At least, that’s what coach Sébastien Pocognoli expressed in a pre-match press conference. 🎙️

An update on the squad

Pape Cabral has rejoined the group, Eric Dier has taken part in some of the session, and Christian Mawissa is continuing his return, following his first minutes against Paris Saint-Germain. We will provide a full assessment at the end of the day, but his recovery is quite satisfactory 48 hours after the last match. Most players can play again, although we must remain attentive to the history and pace of some.

As for Maghnes Akliouche, we gave him the necessary time, and it showed in the fresh perspective he brought. For Paul Pogba, the plan is clear: we hope to have him back before the international break so we can tackle the final part of the season together. Krépin Diatta, we hope to have him back in a couple weeks as well.

The return of Christian Mawissa

We played him for 30 minutes and we need to be careful about how we manage his playing time. He’s been training well for two weeks and we hope he can gradually increase his playing time. I’m very attentive to the recommendations of the medical staff. Many decisions are being made to protect the players. With Chris, we’re following this process so he can look to the future with peace of mind.

A look back at the team’s play in Europe this season

I think we had a good campaign except against Real Madrid, where it was part of a learning process. This match allowed us to progress and then string together some very good performances, notably against Juventus and against the holders. There was disappointment and regret, but it’s also a positive feeling against such an opponent. We need to use that to our advantage for the end of the season. The energy in training is good, the objectives are clear, and everyone wants to pull in the same direction.

The team’s positive momentum

We are 100% focused on the league. There are 11 Ligue 1 matches left, and if we want to play in Europe again next season, we’ll need to put together a good run. We’re capable of it, and everyone needs to be pulling in the same direction. Those who are thinking long-term here know that it starts with qualifying for Europe. Everyone needs to be involved, not hold back, and give everything for the team.

On Angers SCO

I expect a good match. It was the first game I took charge of here and I was impressed by their quality with the ball in the draw we played there (1-1). They have a clear and well-known game plan; they’re a very attacking team. Even at the European level, their style is valued. If we’re not at 150%, they can cause us problems. We need to be ready and focused.

The good stats on the part of the bench

It’s very satisfying. It proves the quality of the squad and our ability to use our options at the right time. We can adapt our plan depending on how the match unfolds. The fact that players can come on and be decisive in different systems is remarkable. It strengthens our team.

On managing different competitions

I don’t think we’ve approached a match differently depending on the competition. In recent months, we’ve played with a reduced squad, so we’ve tried to overdo it as little as possible. Tomorrow, the atmosphere on and around the pitch needs to be that of a crucial match. We want to continue this positive run and, if possible, extend it.

The last 11 Ligue 1 matches

They will all be important. If we get through this weekend, we will then face direct rivals. These will be matches that count double. We mustn’t forget that we have also played many more midweek matches compared to other teams. The way we have managed this with a reduced squad makes our current momentum even more valuable.

Tactical flexibility

Everything is possible. We’ll decide based on the players available and how the squad feels. We’ve shown we can perform well with both systems. The strength of this adaptable formation is that it allows us to adjust the balance, whether in midfield or attack. We have several options, and that gives us real tactical depth.

What Ansu Fati brings to the squad

He’s a player I have a lot of faith in. His lack of consistency this season is mainly due to physical issues. I have a particular affinity for creative players like him. If we can provide him with optimal physical preparation, we can get the best out of him. My role is to make him available to the team at the right time. It’s a collaborative effort, and I’m convinced he’ll continue to be important between now and the end of the season.

𝐁𝐢𝐣𝐨𝐮 ✨⁰⁰𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐮 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐢 finit avec précision 🎯

3️⃣-2️⃣ #RCLASM pic.twitter.com/JqQCo32FTk

— AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) February 23, 2026

Regarding Aleksandr Golovin

I’m not talking about “dropping points,” but about a positive or negative balance. For me, attitude and daily dedication are essential, both with and without the ball. I don’t see any issues with his commitment. He works for the team and has already been decisive. Certain situations shouldn’t be repeated, that’s clear, but he reacted well, he trained well, and I sensed he was very focused after Paris.