AS Monaco manager Philippe Clement has said that he was “very angry” with his side at half-time during their 4-3 victory over Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace.
Les Monégasques had taken an early lead through Vanderson. However, after the opening goal, there was a very perceptible drop in intensity in Monaco’s play. Strasbourg capitalised, scoring twice in the space of four minutes to turn the game on its head.
One change was made during the break. Edan Diop came on for Ruben Aguilar in what was a game-changing managerial intervention. Diop scored his first professional goal as the Principality side went on to win 4-3.
Speaking post-match, Clement revealed his anger at his side’s first-half display. “As I told the players, I saw Monaco’s two faces today. We started well. We were good for 25 minutes. We were well-organised and aggressive in a positive sense and we were present in the duels. Then the aggressivity disappeared. Strasbourg came back and scored two goals. At half-time, I was very angry. I didn’t recognise my team,” he said in a press conference attended by Get French Football News.
“I liked my team’s reaction. We managed things well, despite the third goal. It’s a lesson, and it’s good to take lessons when you also take the three points,” Clement added.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle