We have to concentrate on our play
AC Sparta Prague will continue its journey in Champions League in the third qualifying round. Spartans will face AS Monaco there. AS finished in the third position in the last season in Ligue 1. The first match is scheduled on Tuesday 3rd of August in Generali Česká pojišťovna Arena in Prague. The press conference took place a day before the game. Questions, on Sparta's side, were answered by head coach Pavel Vrba and defender Dávid Hancko.
Pavel Vrba
About what to expect from Monaco: “It is hard to say because Monaco was rotating its formations and players during the pre-season. They did not play any league or champions league match, so it is difficult for us to analyze their play. It would have been different if they had already played a few games. I think it does not matter who will play on their side because all of their players have such quality. We have to concentrate on our play.”
About Monaco's disadvantage from playing league games: “I think Monaco is ready for this match. They played against quality teams from Bundesliga and La Liga in the pre-season. Nevertheless, we are where we wanted to be, and we would be happy if we can continue our journey.”
About the quality of Monaco: “I think the best leagues in the world are: Spanish, English, German, Italian, and French. All teams who finished at the top of the tables in these leagues have a high quality. It is a very difficult opponent. AS has experienced players, who have played many important matches.”
About the defensive in the past games: “I think we played well in defense. Our opponents did not create many chances, but I have to say that the base of the defense is an offense.”
About the rotation in the roster: “We would like to rotate our players in this full calendar. It is an advantage for us that we have many players in our team. Most of them will get their chances.”
About injuries: “Sáček had 5 stitches under his eye, but he will be ready for this game. LK37 has a muscle injury, and he needs a few more days to be ready for 100%”
About young players: “These kinds of games are great for our young players. It is good for them and also for our national team to experience it.”
Dávid Hancko
About the difference in comparison to the game against Rapid: “We are more relaxed now, we have reached one of our goals. But that is not all that we wanted, we continue in our work. We are looking forward to this game and we hope it can work as it worked against Rapid.”
About cooperation with Štetina: “I think we play very well together. The defense is going to be a key for us in this match, we need to be responsible there. The clean sheet would be great for us.”
About the atmosphere at Generali Česká pojišťovna Arena: “We are happy that people are back in stands. We enjoyed their presence during and after the game against Rapid. It was a perfect experience for us, it really pushed and helped us in our performance. We were missing our fans in the last season.”
About Monaco's players: “AS has very good players. I have been watching their offensive players and analyzing them. Additionally, our coaches had warned us about their strengths. It will be challenging to play against them. We cannot choose our opponent in this phase of Champions League. However, we are focusing on our performance, and I am really looking forward to that.”
About French teams: “We were missing only ten minutes to beat Lille last year. We showed we can play these big games. I think we are more experienced now and we have improved.”