Monaco manager Adi Htter has shared his thoughts on his teams upcoming Champions League encounter with Barcelona, set to take place in France this week. As the prestigious European tournament kicks off with a refreshed format, the clash between Monaco and Barcelona is one of the most anticipated fixtures. The two sides are meeting again just weeks after their face-off in the Joan Gamper Trophy, a match in which Monaco emerged victorious with a commanding 3-0 win over Barcelona at the Camp Nou.
Despite the recent triumph in Barcelona, Htter emphasized that this upcoming Champions League game will be a different challenge altogether. Reflecting on the Gamper Trophy win, Htter suggested that the defeat may have actually spurred Barcelona to find better form in the early stages of their domestic season in La Liga. Barcelona has since embarked on an impressive run, scoring in five consecutive games and conceding just four goals in total.
Im not going to reveal any specifics about our tactics, Htter said in an interview with Spanish news agency Efe, underscoring the importance of keeping his game plan under
wraps ahead of the crucial match. What I can say is that it wont be the same kind of game as the Gamper Trophy. Htter hinted that the dynamics of a pre-season friendly like the Gamper Trophy are very different from a high-stakes Champions League match, where both teams will be fully focused and in competitive form.
Htter went on to acknowledge that while Monaco's 3-0 victory at the Gamper Trophy was a confidence boost, it might have served as a wake-up call for Barcelona. He noted how the defeat seems to have catalyzed an improvement in Barcelonas performances in La Liga, where they have been scoring freely and maintaining a solid defense.
In a way, it was good for Barcelona to lose that game, Htter explained. Since then, they have scored in five consecutive games and have only conceded four goals. That shows theyve become more solid defensively while still being dangerous going forward.
Monaco's own form has been impressive as well. They have started the Ligue 1 season strongly, with three wins and a draw from their first four matches, demonstrating their intent to compete on multiple fronts this season. The team is currently performing well in both attack and defense, and Htter is keen to carry that momentum into Europe.
Htter was full of praise for Barcelonas squad, highlighting their blend of experience and youth. In particular, he singled out Robert Lewandowski, a striker he knows well from his time managing in the Bundesliga, and young prodigy Lamine Yamal, who has been a breakout star for Barcelona this season.
Everyone knows Barcelona, Htter said. They are one of the biggest clubs in the world. Up front, they have Robert Lewandowski, who I played with during my time in the Bundesliga. Hes one of the best strikers in the world, a true goal machine. Then, they have Lamine Yamal, a young player who is making a big impact with his incredible left foot. Hes already a top player despite his age and scored two goals just last Sunday.
Htter also mentioned Dani Olmo, another player with Bundesliga ties, whom he regards as one of the top midfielders in Europe. Dani Olmo is a fantastic player. I know him well from the Bundesliga, and hes one of the best in Europe right now. And theres also Raphinha, who brings a lot of quality to their attack.
Despite the obvious threats posed by Barcelonas star-studded squad, Htter was adamant that Monaco would not rely on man-marking any individual players, including Yamal, who has been in excellent form. Instead, he stressed the importance of a collective defensive approach to neutralize Barcelonas attacking threats.
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