Back on the European scene with AS Monaco to face Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16 first leg of the Europa League (Thursday, 9 p.m.), the Senegalese winger, decisive passer in the last group match against the Red Star of Belgrade, spoke at a press conference.
He offered Kevin Volland the second goal of his hat-trick at the Stade Louis-II against Belgrade last November (4-1 success). On the occasion of the round of 16 first leg of the Europa League against Bayer Leverkusen (Thursday, 9 p.m.), Krépin Diatta may have the opportunity to shine again in the competition, before the return leg at the Stade Louis-II. In any case, he mentioned the ambition of the team in front of the media, on the eve of the meeting. Extracts.
The state of mind and form of the team
I would say it’s always good to win a game before returning to Europe, especially against a big team. Everyone feels good in the group. We are keen to come here to play a very big match against Bayer Leverkusen and thus continue our positive dynamic.
How to manage the strengths of this team? We spoke about it with the coach in the preparation for the match, by studying the style of this formation which is very strong in the transitions.
On the style of Bayer Leverkusen
The new dimension taken in recent months
I don’t think there’s been a big difference in mood since the start of the season, it’s just that we’re on a very good run. We get along very well in the group, there is a great cohesion that was already present before. Only certain circumstances sometimes meant that we couldn’t manage our matches. There were also the red cards, which weighed on us quite a bit. In any case, I feel that the team is doing well and that’s what makes us strong today.
On the style of Bayer Leverkusen
How to manage the strengths of this team? We spoke about it with the coach in the preparation for the match, by studying the style of this formation which is very strong in the transitions. It is then up to us to do the work on the ground, to set up our game plan to try to upset them as much as possible in this area.
It is certain that we did not have the chance to pass this team of Braga, but as you said, it was played on details. Now it’s up to us to take this experience as an example, to try to do better this year.
On elimination against Braga last year
The ambitions in this Europa League
At the beginning of this season we dreamed of the Champions League, unfortunately it didn’t happen due to small details. Despite everything, we want to do a major European campaign. We showed it in the group stage, and now we want to go as far as possible in this competition. This is the ambition of everyone in the group!
The memory of Braga
There is no feeling of revenge compared to last season. It is certain that we did not have the chance to pass this team of Braga, but as you said, it was played on details. Now it’s up to us to take this experience as an example, to try to do better this year.