Monaco coach Sebastian Poconioli and defender Thilo Kehrer addressed the media on Tuesday ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League match against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, stressing belief in their identity as players and the need for collective discipline.
Poconoli made it clear in his pre-match press conference that Monaco’s focus was mainly internal, rather than reacting to Madrid’s status or form.
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“My main concern is solving our own problems,” Poconoli said. “We have to play a good game to have a chance; Madrid have always been a great team and they will make things difficult for us. We have to do everything right in order to make them doubt themselves. We are not thinking about whether it is a good time or a bad time.”
Despite an away game against Europe’s reigning giants, the Monaco coach insisted the team would not give up on their principles.
“Madrid are playing at home and they want to dominate,” he said. “But it doesn’t change our playing philosophy. Even though the result didn’t go as we wanted, I never said we would only defend; I will stick to Monaco’s philosophy. We need to be very solid without the ball, but we won’t give up our style.”
Poconoli also explained the decision to train in Madrid before the match, citing preparation and familiarity with the environment.
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“If possible, it’s better to train here, adapt better, get a feel for the place,” he said. “Every coach is different and I like to do that if possible.”
Defender Thilo Kehrer echoed the coach’s confidence while acknowledging the challenge posed by Real Madrid – and Kylian Mbappe in particular.
“Mbappe is improving every year,” Keller said. “He is a more mature player and playing in Madrid has changed him, maybe in terms of pressure. He is a world-class player.”
Kehrer also addressed Monaco’s inconsistency this season, pointing to performances against top opponents as evidence of the team’s ceiling.
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“We have discussed this inconsistency, but the fact that we have held our own against strong rivals shows that the potential and quality is there,” he said. “Tomorrow we have to unite and work together, and if we do that we will be able to compete with any team.”
When it comes to limiting Real Madrid’s attacking threat, Kehrer emphasized collective defensive awareness rather than individual solutions.
“We have to reduce space for Kylian and his teammates,” he said. “We have to be very focused and focused.”
Monaco face Real Madrid in the Champions League group stage tomorrow night, with the result at the Bernabeu seen as a major test of Poconioli’s plans and team’s resilience.