Philippe Clement returned this Friday at a press conference on the use of Wissam Ben Yedder. The AS Monaco coach cited tactical reasons to justify the situation of his striker, who started on the bench in recent games.
Ben Yedder is no longer unstoppable Monaco
There is no problem with Wissam. Present at a press conference this Friday, AS Monaco coach Philippe Clement wanted to put an end to the beginning of the controversy concerning his use of Wissam Ben Yedder.
Substitute for two games
Since the start of the season, the Mongasque striker has taken part in 15 Ligue 1 matches (out of 18), including 12 as a starter. The French international has clearly become less indispensable in the mind of his coach. Especially since his replacement by Eliesse Ben Seghir the break of the match against Auxerre (3-2). After his decisive double in Burgundy, the young Mongasque talent took the place of his eldest in the eleven of the ASM during the next two days.
Facing Brest (1-0) then Lorient (2-2), Ben Yedder actually started on the bench. He stayed there throughout the game against Brest. Ten days later, he entered the pitch to play the last 28 minutes of the match against Lorient. Sufficient time to allow him to score the goal of equalization in added time. And regain his place in the starting lineup? Not sure.
A tactical choice
If he dismisses any personal problem with his player, Clement justifies his choice by pointing to a tactical concern. For the Belgian technician, the departure to Real Madrid of Aurlien Tchouamni, who was exceptional in his strength, his running, his power and the recurring injuries of Kevin Volland, who did a lot of work without the ball to help the midfield have created an imbalance that makes an Embolo-Ben Yedder association difficult.
Camara (who replaced Tchouamni) is very important in defense, but he does not have the same physical qualities as Aurlien. Therefore, we must find a new balance in the team. Kevin was injured several times. Breel (Embolo) did a good job as a striker, but to have Wissam and Breel together is to have two real strikers, who are less players who are in defensive work in the middle. So it’s harder to keep a balance explained Clement.
P. Clement – Wissam will not improve physically
During his argument, the former coach of Bruges also mentioned the physical condition of the ex-Svillan. Wissam, I have a lot of respect for him, but he is not going to improve physically, he slips. We must have a top Wissam every time he is on the pitch. For the moment, there is a good balance. Nor is it the same Wissam as 3, 4 or 5 years ago. Between young Embolo (25) and old Ben Yedder (32), Clement seems to be giving his preference to the former lately.
However, the coach of the Principality club ensures that he is counting on Ben Yedder for the rest of the season. Of course, I want Wissam to stay. He did good things for the Lorient team. Not just his goal, and you don’t just need goals for a striker. Wissam has done some good things over the past few months. (…) Last thing: when I let a player play all the time and he is injured or suspended, the other player who can play his position is never ready if he has not played for three or four month. It is also something important , he concluded. Enough to reassure his attacker?
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