Pocognoli keeps the faith despite Monaco's Madrid misery
Monaco's interim boss remains defiant after Champions League defeat to Real Madrid, insisting his philosophy is right despite poor results threatening his position.
Monaco manager refuses to abandon principles despite continuing poor form and growing pressure following defeat to European champions
Facing the music
Sébastien Pocognoli didn’t mince his words after watching his Monaco side fall short against Real Madrid in their latest Champions League disappointment. The Belgian interim boss, who’s having a proper mare with results lately, admitted his team lacked courage and failed to capitalise when Madrid allowed them possession.
“We haven’t been able to take advantage when Madrid gave us the ball,” Pocognoli confessed, clearly gutted about his team’s performance, particularly in a first half where they squandered opportunities and lost possession cheaply.
Standing firm
Despite the mounting pressure and results going south, Pocognoli remains steadfast in his commitment to his footballing philosophy. He’s not having any of the suggestion that Monaco should change their approach:
- Insists his tactical setup was correct despite the defeat
- Believes Monaco must commit to this style of play
- Remains “quite calm” about his future despite poor results
Looking in the mirror
What’s interesting about Pocognoli’s position is his refreshing honesty. The gaffer claims he can look himself in the mirror knowing he’s giving everything, even if the results are proper pants at the moment.
He expressed confidence that good results will eventually come – hopefully with him still in the dugout – but acknowledged he doesn’t control his destiny at the principality club.
Collective responsibility
Perhaps most telling was Pocognoli’s call for collective reflection. He didn’t throw his players under the bus, instead suggesting everyone at the club needs to take a butcher’s at what’s going wrong.
“We’re disappointed because there’s no stability, and I think we could have done more today,” he admitted, highlighting Monaco’s inconsistency as a major concern.
With European hopes hanging by a thread and his job potentially on the line, Pocognoli’s bread and butter now depends on whether Monaco’s hierarchy shares his belief that staying the course will eventually bear fruit.