In Monaco, Sébastien Pocognoli (38 years old), coach of AS Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain’s next opponent this Friday, is trying to maintain control over a squad under pressure, balancing precautions with a physical headache. The coach discusses the management of Akliouche and several medical situations in a progress report published by L’Équipe.
Pocognoli: “We managed his situation well by not wanting to take any risks.”
On Maghnes Akliouche
“We managed his situation well by not wanting to take any risks. He has played a lot this year, and we are entering a period where players’ bodies are under stress. We were able to manage that, and when we can afford to, we do.”
“Monaco remains without eight players”
“The Belgian coach of AS Monaco has doubts about three players, who are currently uncertain. Mika Biereth was ill this Wednesday.” Jordan Teze did not participate in training, and Denis Zakaria remained in the gym to relieve his adductor strain. Mamadou Coulibaly, suspended against Angers, is back, while Lukas Hradecky will be available in two weeks, according to his coach. However, it remains to be seen whether he will immediately reclaim his place in goal, as Philipp Köhn is currently in a reassuring phase. Monaco remains without eight players: Hradecky, Salisu, Ouattara, Diatta, Minamino, Pogba, Dier, and Cabral.
The message is clear: Monaco is proceeding with several health concerns, and Pocognoli is taking a cautious approach when he deems it appropriate. Akliouche, heavily involved this season, was rested to avoid taking risks during a period when players’ bodies are under strain. At the same time, the staff is dealing with several sensitive issues: Biereth is reported ill, Teze missed the session, and Zakaria is being treated in the gym to relieve his adductor strain.
Some relatively good news: Coulibaly returns to the squad after his suspension, but the overall picture remains complicated. Hradecky is expected to be unavailable for another two weeks or so, and the goalkeeping hierarchy could even hinge on Köhn’s current form. Besides these players “to watch,” Monaco still has a long list of absentees, evidence of a squad management situation that is becoming increasingly complex week after week.
