The reactions of Folarin Balogun and Caio Henrique after Strasbourg | OneFootball

Very happy after the important victory achieved through character against Racing (3-2), the American striker and the Brazilian defender expressed their satisfaction in the mixed zone after the match.

They went for it with courage. Dominant and two goals ahead at half-time, the AS Monaco players then saw Strasbourg come back to level, before picking up three points in added time (3-2). It was a crucial victory and one which, Folarin Balogun and Caio Henrique spoke about with the media after the final whistle. 🎙️

Good evening, Folarin. What a match tonight!

It was a tough match for us against a very young Strasbourg team whose qualities we know well, and who made it difficult for us to get three points at home. I think we lacked concentration when they came back from two goals down. We knew they’re a team that fights until the end; it wasn’t the first time they’d come back in a match, as they’re a team with a lot of energy and passion. But I’m glad we showed the determination to finally win!

Mika (Biereth)? He's a top player with whom I've played in the past in the youth teams at Arsenal, so I know his style of play well and I feel comfortable with him. It's a pleasure for me to play with him, especially since we have mutual trust.

Folarin BalogunOn Mika Biereth

Is this your best match since arriving at AS Monaco?

I think I’ll have to review the footage to say, but what’s certain is that I’m very happy here now, and I hope my performances will continue to prove it! Mika (Biereth)? He’s a top player with whom I’ve played in the past in the youth teams at Arsenal, so I know his style of play well and I feel comfortable with him. It’s a pleasure for me to play with him, especially since we have mutual trust.

How do you feel about this two-striker system?

The coach likes this system with two center forwards who stay connected. Sometimes it works better than other nights, but I think today we showed some good things together with Mika and the other attacking players.

Are you already looking ahead to the next match?

Indeed, you always have to think about the next match, especially after the defeat to Lille (1-0). It was important for us to bounce back and take the three points before the international break. So, I’m very satisfied with tonight’s result from that perspective.

Is this a special season for you?

Yes, definitely, especially with the 2026 World Cup being played at home in the United States! It’s true that it’s an extra motivation for me, to show that I’m back. But first and foremost, I want to focus on each match, and if at the end of the season we’ve achieved our collective goals with AS Monaco, I’d be honored to participate. I just want to try to help the team as much as possible and meet the coach’s needs.

Caio Henrique’s reaction

Good evening, Caio. It was a very emotional match tonight…

Oh yes, of course, it was tough even though we played a good game, because we missed quite a few chances to kill the match off. That’s football, we conceded those two goals, but we gave everything we had until the end to win, thanks to this play from Maghnes and Folarin, who built well. I’m happy, because these are three important points for us before the international break and the departure of some of our players to the national team.

Is this an important match for the squad?

Certainly, especially since we faced a team that plays well with a lot of young players. We know it’s important to take as many points as possible at home, so we’ll now continue working to build on this momentum.

ittle by little, I feel like I'm getting back to my best level. It wasn't easy after my knee injury, I had a few tough months, but now I have peace of mind, I'm very happy, and I hope to do a good job with the Seleção.

Was it intended to sit back and wait for them after scoring?

When we scored the second-half goal, I think the team gave the ball away a bit due to fatigue. Strasbourg had some space, but we did what we needed to do in the end and what the coach asked of us to win. Once again, we played against a good team, and the most important thing is to come away with the victory.

A word on being called up for Brazil…

I’m obviously very happy to be back with the national team with Brazil (smiles)! Now I want to enjoy this good news there with my family. Little by little, I feel like I’m getting back to my best level. It wasn’t easy after my knee injury, I had a few tough months, but now I have peace of mind, I’m very happy, and I hope to do a good job with the Seleção. Have I always believed in my return? Of course! I think that if I do what’s necessary with AS Monaco, I know that the staff watches the matches, so I’ll do everything to seize this opportunity. The World Cup? (He smiles) It’s my dream, and if I work hard, I hope I can play in it!