AS Monaco's head coach, Adi Hutter, has raised a cautionary flag regarding the expectations placed on young talent Eliesse Ben Seghir, while simultaneously praising the impressive integration of striker Mika Biereth into the team's dynamics.
At just 20 years old, Ben Seghir has made a significant mark this season, ranking as the second-best scorer for AS Monaco behind Mika Biereth. However, Hutter emphasizes the need for moderation in how the young Moroccan is utilized, particularly in light of his previous injury struggles. In an interview with L'Équipe, Hutter explained, "Concerning Eliesse, the expectations around him are sometimes too strong. He is not far; he played against Benfica and scored a goal, and he was one of our best players against Lille in February. But we must be cautious. This is his first season without injury, and he is only 20 years old."
Despite his promising talent, Ben Seghir's journey hasn't been without setbacks. In the previous season, he faced significant problems that limited him to just 14 matches. Having suffered from thigh and shoulder injuries, the coaching staff is keen on handling his game time carefully to ensure he develops a rhythm in his first injury-free campaign.
This season, Ben Seghir has played 26 matches in Ligue 1, with 16 of those as a starter, contributing six goals and three assists to the team's cause. His talent is undeniable, yet Hutter's cautious approach suggests a long-term strategy to nurture the young player successfully without rushing him into more minutes than he can handle.
On the other hand, the arrival of Mika Biereth at the end of the winter transfer window has dramatically shifted the fortunes of Monaco's attack. Described as the sensation of the second half of the season, Biereth has been an immediate success story, scoring eleven goals and providing two assists across just nine Ligue 1 matches, including three outstanding hat tricks against Auxerre, Nantes, and Reims.
Hutter pointed out that Biereth has solved a pressing issue for the team: finishing. "Our problem was in the box. We missed many opportunities and struggled. Today, with Mika, we have a finisher. We have received positive feedback on his behavior and how he is in the locker room," he noted, clearly delighted by the forward's impact.
To facilitate Biereth's integration into the team, Hutter employed a unique strategy that involved sharing video clips of the player with existing teammates before his arrival. "We showed videos of him to our other attacking players to illustrate: 'Look at this guy; it’s Mika Biereth, he moves like this...' The players were happy to see it. I sense they understand each other better now," Hutter explained. This preparation appears to have paid off, as Biereth quickly became a pivotal member of the squad.
With the business end of the season upon them, Hutter's hopes are high for Biereth to maintain his form as the team aspires for a place in the Champions League. The stakes are increasing, and maintaining consistent performance levels in crucial matches will be vital for Monaco.
Overall, the contrasting situations of Ben Seghir and Biereth reflect a broader strategy at AS Monaco. While the club nurtures young talent—ensuring they are not overwhelmed by pressure—it simultaneously seeks immediate results from its new recruits to enhance their competitive edge in Ligue 1. Ben Seghir's journey urges restraint, while Biereth's successful integration showcases what can be achieved with the right approach and support.
