Monaco manager Adi Hutter has acknowledged the impressive 3-0 victory his team secured against Barcelona in the Joan Gamper Trophy, but he was quick to emphasise that it cannot be used as a reference point for the upcoming Champions League match.
While Monaco played well on that day, Hutter recognises that much has changed since then. Barcelona have gone on to win five consecutive games, scoring 17 goals in the process, averaging over three goals per match.
“We cannot take that game as a reference because since then they have won five games in five with 17 goals in their favour, more than 3 goals per game, that is a lot,” said Hutter as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
“We know that they have several injured players but they are in top form and I can see that Hansi Flick is improving a lot in the way he plays with his teams.
“I really appreciate his work but we still have faith in ourselves because we have also made a great start to the season,” he added.
Praise for Robert Lewandowski and others
Hutter is under no illusion about the challenge they face, especially when coming up against a Barcelona side that includes players like Robert Lewandowski.
The Polish striker has a remarkable record against Hutter’s teams from his Bundesliga days, netting 12 goals in 11 matches. Despite his age, Lewandowski continues to impress with his pace and finishing ability, and he remains a key player to watch.
“I know Lewandowski very well, he scored 12 goals in 11 games against us. Considering his age, it’s spectacular to see how he’s preserved himself. He’s fast, has a good shot and is one of the players to keep an eye on.”
Another name that stood out in Hutter’s analysis was young Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal. While Yamal is a growing threat, the Monaco coach emphasised the importance of defending as a team.
“It’s not easy to defend against them, we have to do it as a team and all row in the same direction.
“The team has to be very brave and go all out because we don’t just have to get Lamine Yamal out of the game, but also Raphinha, Lewandowski, and Ferran Torres.
“That’s the key. We know perfectly well the quality of a player as young as Lamine Yamal but the key lies in defending well against each and every one of the Barça players, not just Lamine Yamal, and tomorrow we’ll see how we do,” he noted.
What can we expect from Monaco vs Barcelona?
In preparation for the match, Hutter is fully aware of Barcelona’s aggressive style in both attack and defence.
He remains impressed with Hansi Flick’s ability to transform the team in such a short period. As for the pitch conditions, which had raised some concerns, Hutter hopes the field will be in top shape to deliver a quality match, befitting a Champions League fixture.
“Barça is very aggressive in attack and defence. I have a great appreciation for what Hansi is doing. We cannot compare him to what he was like six weeks ago and he is already showing it in the league.
“I hope the pitch is ready for a great spectacle. It should be at the level of a Champions League stadium,” he concluded.
