Sebastian Pocognoli: Keeping a clean sheet is harder than scoring because it requires a high level of teamwork
2025-10-24 04:57

Despite a clear advantage in the match, Monaco ultimately drew with Tottenham Hotspur. Monaco head coach Sebastian Pocconioli expressed a mixture of pride and disappointment in his post-match press conference. Their efforts failed to translate into victory. In the third round of the Champions League, Monaco took the initiative but failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities.
In the post-match press conference, Sebastian Pocconioli expressed a mixture of pride and disappointment, reflecting the double pressure of his team's mere point. He said, "I first asked the players in the locker room how they were feeling, to understand their mental state. It's important for me to understand how they react after a game like this. Some players expressed regret and were disappointed with their performance and the energy they put in."
“The other players were proud of their performance but also realised they had to improve. For me, it was a mixed bag. It was a shame not to have earned the three points we deserved, to have played at a high level against a strong opponent, to have dominated the game, created a lot of chances and kept a clean sheet.”
"First of all, defensively, we finally achieved the clean sheet we had been looking forward to for weeks. In the Angers match, we were just five minutes away from a clean sheet but missed several crucial chances. Today was different. Speaking of chances, I particularly noticed Crepin's excellent tracking back to prevent a one-on-one duel with the opponent's goalkeeper. This shows the determination of our entire team to contribute to the team."
“Keeping a clean sheet is more challenging than scoring a goal, as it requires close teamwork from the entire team. Offensively, we performed well in midfield, on the flanks, in transitions, and in counter-pressing. We are satisfied with this and will continue to work hard to maintain this form in the coming games.”
"I think their goalkeeper deserved the Man of the Match award, as he made several crucial saves. My style of play requires a lot of work, which may explain my lack of energy and clear judgment in crucial moments. As the team continues to work hard, these problems will gradually improve."
"From a competitive perspective, I think the way we performed will bring us more long-term benefits. I would rather play an aggressive game than be passive the entire game, neither creating chances nor putting the opponent under pressure. Obviously, we need to make up for lost time, but if I have a choice, I would rather seize the opportunity now and make the most of the next five games than continue to stand still."
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