Monaco Look to Carry PSG Momentum Into Tough Trip to Brest
After that gritty 1–0 win over Paris Saint-Germain, AS Monaco are heading into their next challenge with a real sense of purpose — but also with full awareness that Friday’s trip to Brest won’t be anything like a comfortable victory lap. The mood around the team is confident, but grounded, and that balance is exactly what coach Sébastien Pocognoli has been trying to reinforce as the squad prepares for one of Ligue 1’s trickiest away fixtures.
Coming off the PSG match, a lot of the talk naturally centred around Paul Pogba. His return to regular action is being handled carefully, and Pocognoli made it clear that the midfielder’s effort has been flawless. He’s been training intensely, pushing himself without holding anything back, and his cameo against Paris — especially at a moment when Monaco were down to ten men — showed maturity and discipline. The plan now is to gradually build up his minutes, but always with the team’s needs in mind. Pogba himself seems calm, patient, and fully aligned with the process.
Also Read:- Young PQA Performers Light Up the West End Stage
- SBS Boosts Bottom Line With Cost Cuts and Puerto Rico Sale
Another major focus is Aleksandr Golovin, who has quietly become one of Monaco’s most important figures again. After battling injuries, he’s rediscovering his rhythm, and his assist for Takumi Minamino against PSG was a reminder of what he can bring when he’s confident. Pocognoli emphasised that Golovin understands the “Monaco DNA” better than most, having spent seven years at the club, and he wants him to express himself more freely on the pitch. Consistency is the next step — something the coach believes will elevate him back to top form.
Set pieces have also been a recurring theme in the buildup. Monaco have dedicated specialists for both attacking and defensive situations, and Pocognoli insists that communication and structure are key. Some moments still need work, particularly blocking and coordination, but the staff are pushing for incremental improvements across the board.
Defensively, the switch between three and four at the back continues to be a strategic tool. The coach doesn’t rule out returning to a three-man setup, but recent performances have shown that a back four gives them an extra attacking weapon. Ultimately, he stresses that mentality matters more than the system — the intensity displayed against Tottenham and PSG needs to be repeated week after week.
And Brest, as everyone at the club knows, will be a real test of that mentality. Golovin himself summed it up bluntly: playing there in winter is never easy. The pitch is tight, the wind can be brutal, and Brest rely heavily on physicality and long balls. According to him, if Monaco arrive even slightly below their peak — say at 95% rather than 100% — they simply won’t win.
So while the PSG victory gave them a psychological lift, Pocognoli warned that it only matters if Monaco back it up with another strong performance. The players are motivated, the confidence is there, and the momentum is real. Now it’s just a matter of proving it again — this time in one of Ligue 1’s toughest environments.
Read More:
0 Comments