Thilo Kehrer: "Prepare for the match down to the smallest detail" | OneFootball

Focused on maintaining AS Monaco's chances of qualifying for the Champions League, the Monegasque central defender spoke two days before the team's crucial match against Lyon, the last at the Stade Louis-II.

They want to go all the way! Facing Olympique Lyonnais this Saturday evening in the last home game of the season at the Stade Louis-II (kick-off 9 p.m.), the AS Monaco players want to pursue their dream of playing in the Champions League again next season. They are therefore determined to go for a victory, as Thilo Kehrer — who spoke in the pre-match press conference — expressed. 🎙️

We're very focused; we know our strengths and our playing style. We're preparing for the match down to the smallest detail with the right amount of concentration, but also with joy, because it's important to maintain a sense of lightness. We're practicing our routines while working to absorb the characteristics of Olympique Lyonnais' play.

His physical condition

I returned to training this week, and I feel good. There are no more issues or pain. I’ve recovered well because I wasn’t able to train much last week. I spent time with the physios and medical staff, who did a good job. So, I’m ready for this weekend’s match.

The team’s mindset before facing Lyon

We’re very focused; we know our strengths and our playing style. We’re preparing for the match down to the smallest detail with the right amount of concentration, but also with joy, because it’s important to maintain a sense of lightness. We’re practicing our routines while working to absorb the characteristics of Olympique Lyonnais’ play.

Tight at the top of the table

I may not have experienced such a tight table before, but I’ve already experienced seasons where the outcome is decided by points or goal difference. With this situation, it’s very important to understand what’s at stake and the details so that we can be very focused on them.

We’ll have to approach these last two matches as if we were playing in a final or a playoff, if we look at the overall situation. We’re focusing on our match because only we can influence the outcome. The positive thing is that we have our destiny in our own hands. So we’ll have to do what’s necessary to focus solely on our work.

Greater pressure now?

I don’t see any difference personally. When we played against Nice or Marseille at home, the table was already very tight and has been for a while. There are no changes in our feelings or a sense of pressure because it was clear that it might stay tight until the end. So it’s even more important to take it game by game.

Mika Biereth’s injury-related exit at Saint-Etienne

During a match, the result and the team’s performance are the most important. With this mindset, Breel came on and brought his quality, making an impact. Balo’ played 90 minutes after an injury and had a very good match. So there was no particular fear because everyone is prepared to play, since during the week we have a good work ethic and focus. Of course, Mika has had a an important impact on our team.

He has a particular style with the instinct of an attacker who senses the movements since he often makes the right run, while second balls regularly come back to him. He has real qualities as an attacker. What is positive is that we have a squad with a lot of qualities, like Breel and Balo’, who can help us at any moment thanks to different qualities. We have confidence in all three of them, without forgetting Taki’ who can also play as a second striker. The coach has a lot of choices, it’s something that gives us confidence.

In any case, his return is positive even though he has been training with us for a while. He had already come on before but it's true that it was his first match as a starter on Saturday. I'm certain that his performance did him well, especially since he scored a goal in the victo

Thilo KehrerOn the return of Folarin Balogun

Folarin Balogun’s return to the squad

With his qualities and his attacking profile, he’s capable of attacking deep thanks to his speed and very direct play. He has a different style of play from other forwards when it comes to creating chances. This gives us freshness and a slight difference, as it adds a plus to our style. I’m happy with the forwards we have, and the coach then makes his choices about who starts or comes on as a substitute.

In any case, his return is positive even though he has been training with us for a while. He had already come on before but it’s true that it was his first match as a starter on Saturday. I’m certain that his performance did him well, especially since he scored a goal in the victory. Overall, there is a sense of joy in the squad, there is a good atmosphere between the players, as well as with the coach and the staff. When players return from a long injury, the state of mind is even better.

The importance of having Denis Zakaria on the pitch

He’s very important because, first of all, he takes his role as captain to heart. We can look to him as a standard-bearer in matches and during training, both in terms of attitude and commitment. The pressure he exerts may not be as expected as a goal, but it’s very useful for us.

We’re very happy to have him with us; there are plenty of matches where he’s decisive in defense and attack. He’s also important in transition, recovery, and so on. He’s truly a key player because he has a lot of experience, having played for big teams and in big leagues. I’m sure Lamine and Soungou will learn a lot from him.

Is the podium a logical outcome given the season?

It’s difficult to talk about logical outcomes in football because it’s a sport where anything can happen. So, that’s not the word I would use, even though it’s our goal, of course. We’ve been on the podium for most of this season; what matters now is to finish on top.

Playing “between the antennas” this Saturday

We’ll definitely need the fans. We’re counting on all our fans to be there and support us fully; it’s important to us. Their support helps us and gives us extra energy. Playing against Lyon is already a big match, but the surrounding context makes the result even more important. We love seeing the crowd there to cheer us on.