A press conference with Thilo Kehrer is always interesting. Calm, level-headed and transparent, the Monegasque defender recognized that the current period would say a lot about his team’s Champions League hopes. This Wednesday evening, his team hosts Lille at Louis-II. A duel between the second and the fourth in Ligue 1 that the former PSG player defines as a match which should be decisive.
Do you feel a special atmosphere as we approach the end of the season?
I’ve been feeling this for a while, the atmosphere is very good. There is a good balance between fun, moments of jokes, those where we “have a good time” and moments of very serious work. You can see it in the results.
By beating Lille, you would take a big step towards the Champions League…
Yes, we know that this week is decisive. We took the first step in Brest. Lille is perhaps the most decisive match with Brest this week (Monaco will go to Lyon this Sunday April 28). We are aware of the situation but focus on ourselves, our work and what we want to produce on the ground.
You have already experienced these end of the season with big goals. What do you bring?
What is important in this decisive period is to be aware of the situation in which we are, aware of what makes us strong, of what brought us back to this place. We know that we have a lot of qualities, a style of play that is perhaps different from other teams in Ligue 1. We have to keep the good attitude, the energy that we put on the pitch. This is what will allow us to be creative.
Lille is a serious customer, have you seen their last matches?
I saw the two games against Aston Villa and others in League 1, they are a good team. They have a good style of play, a squad with quality players. He is an opponent who has everything to be in the first part of the table.
Breel Embolo made his return a few weeks ago, what can he bring?
He brings his character, his qualities as a very physical attacker. He can keep the balls well, he is tactically intelligent, makes good calls… He also has experience, knows when to laugh and when to be serious. We are very happy that he can help us in the last matches.
The team concedes fewer goals with Majecki, what does he give away?
He exudes serenity, absolute concentration, good body language, an important presence for the team. We know he’s going to be there when we need him and make great saves. He really brings presence into the goal.
Is it reassuring to know it behind your back?
We know that there is confidence behind, in counter-attacks or difficult situations we can count on Radek. We don’t have this worry of perhaps having to tackle, because there is the goalkeeper who is there behind to make saves and manage difficult moments. This is also what gives good results.
