Following AS Monaco’s 3-0 victory over RC Lens, the Principality club’s sporting director, Thiago Scuro, addressed the media, speaking about Les Monégasques’ strong start to the season, the importance of retaining Youssouf Fofana, and the reported failed pursuit of Tosin Adarabioyo.
The Brazilian sporting director replaced Paul Mitchell earlier this summer, and in a mixed zone interview, attended by Get French Football News, he reflected on the club’s start to the season.
Monaco lost by a three-goal margin to Lens on both occasions last season. Is this victory a sign of the progress made?
“What I feel so far is that players are committed to the playing idea, committed to the goals for the season. Adi (Hütter) has a very clear leadership style, very clear playing idea. I hope we keep progressing and growing during the season with those concepts.”
13 goals in just four games is an impressive attacking record…
“The idea is to have an aggressive style of football, to play forward, to play on the front [foot]. This kind of football clearly creates a lot of chances. It’s good that our players are using these opportunities to score. Everybody is working hard to defend as a group, playing together offesnvely and defensively. This is bringing us consistency.
Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo was long rumoured to join Monaco this summer. Are you disappointed not to have signed him?
“No, I have no disappointment for players that aren’t here. I am very happy with the players that we were able to bring, and of course not only them but also strong players that we have kept for another season.”
Wilfried Singo has hit the ground running at Monaco. Are you surprised by the speed of his adaptation?
“This is thanks to our scouts, all of or staff who provide quality information and analysis. Since we started watching Singo, we saw his skills, and the mentality to compete at a very high level. It’s good that he’s adapting step-by-step to this playing idea.”
18 Monaco players will join up with their respective national teams over the international break. That must be something to be proud of?
“Yes it is. It shows the quality of this squad: not just the new players that we brought in this window, but also the players that have already been at the club in past seasons. 18 players going away on the international break is a lot. It shows how strong how strong Monaco is individually, and if we keep working together as a club and a team we can also be strong.”
Rennes and Marseille have both had slightly sluggish starts to the season? Do you feel like you’ve stolen a march on some of your competitors for the podium?
“In football, what counts is the way that things finish, not the way they start. It’s very good to have a good beginning, but in the end we know the championship is decided in the last five or six games. We always have to be thinking about the next game. Our goal is always the next game, and that’s the message internally. Let’s think about next week and no further, because we cannot control this.”
Do you think there is enough depth in the squad, particularly in defence?
“We do. We have a very balanced squad and this is possible because we were able to have several players that can play more than one position. This also gives Adi a lot of options and possibilities for the season.”
How important is retaining Youssouf Fofana?
“He is a very important player, not just on the pitch, but also in the dressing room. Of course, we are happy that he will be joining up with the France national team. He is showing his level, his capacities. He can play in a much higher level in this style. He’s getting there and I believe he’s going to have a great season.”
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
