Sébastien Pocognoli: "We need to find a certain stability in this team"
Despite a good start to the match, AS Monaco was defeated with ten men against Stade Rennais as part of the 13th matchday in Ligue 1 McDonald’s (4-1). Clearly disappointed at the result, Sébastien Pocognoli spoke at a press conference a few moments after the final whistle to analyze the match.🎙️
Good evening, coach. How do you analyze this match?
I have enough perspective on our performance, even though it’s still fresh in my mind, to say that Rennes’ victory was deserved overall, despite the rather heavy scoreline. In the first half, I think we still stuck to our tactical plan, both defensively and offensively, even if we could have done better in terms of structure and discipline.
This allowed us to create the best chances and aim for more at halftime. But the second half was very disappointing, and when you underperform, you expose yourself to what you normally have to avoid: a red card, a goal on the counter-attack, a goal from a second ball, etc. We can’t afford to offer that as AS Monaco, and with two such different halves, we can’t expect more.
How do you explain the current run of form?
This match against Rennes perfectly encapsulates the inconsistency of our season. We played one half well and then completely missed the mark in the other. We’re not going to make excuses about injuries or the upcoming European fixtures. The more time passes, the more I can refine my analysis. We need to find some stability within this team, which will be strengthened by the return of players from injury, and work on a foundation that will lead to consistent results before the end of the year.
Do you think there’s a problem with the team’s mental aspect?
I’ve watched all of AS Monaco’s matches this season, and there’s sometimes been a lack of team cohesion. There has been a resurgence since my arrival, but it’s clear that we constantly need to nurture this mindset. We’re going to work on strengthening it and finding stability so we can put things in place and get the results. It’s a setback, but it will be a good test to see how we bounce back.
Especially since the upcoming schedule is tough…
If you don’t show a winning mentality in matches like the ones awaiting us as an AS Monaco player, you never will. So, we’ll need the necessary focus and teamwork to succeed. The schedule is very tight, that’s a fact, but that’s the way it is, and it’s a great challenge. I see it in a positive light! Now it’s up to me to pass all of that on to the players and the people around me every day. There’s a lot of work to be done, investing ourselves individually with each player for the good of the team.
Was there a lack of character to turn things around?
We’re trying to work on that, and there are things that can mitigate it, like the contribution of leaders! But also having a certain stability brings confidence and therefore results. We’re lacking that today, but I’m convinced that if we continue to work and focus on what we can improve, we can get back on track, even if tonight’s result is hard to swallow.
A word on the return of Paul Pogba
Paul worked hard to be here today. He was on the bench, and his return makes perfect sense because we all cooperated well. He’s reaping the rewards of the work he’s put in, not just with me but also individually over the past few months.
But like every player, you give and you expect something in return, and perhaps his comeback can give the team a boost; at least I hope so. I had decided to bring him on regardless of the situation; it was planned because he had trained well, and no matter the circumstances, he came on well, even though it wasn’t easy playing ten against eleven. He did well, so we’ll remember that.
🔥 Le grand frisson… Paul 𝗣𝗢𝗚𝗕𝗔 est de retour, avec une magnifique acclamation !#SRFCASM pic.twitter.com/Oulc7ulqk1
— L1+ (@ligue1plus) November 22, 2025
