After making his managerial debut in a 2-1 loss to Strasbourg, Monaco boss Thierry Henry took charge of his first Champions League game on Wednesday away against Club Brugge.
With both sides rooted to the bottom of Group A on zero points, this was a chance for Henry’s side to get on the board and potentially set up a push for an unlikely top-two finish. However, Monaco couldn’t hold onto a lead and settled for a 1-1 draw.
Here’s how Henry fared on the night.
KEY STATS
Goals – 1
Shots – 9
Shots on target – 3
Chances created – 8
Possession – 41%
Passing accuracy – 81%
30-SECOND REPORT
Henry switched things around from his first game, going from a 4-3-2-1 to a 3-4-3, with Nacer Chadli deployed as a wingback with extreme license to attack. An early injury to Stevan Jovetic threatened to upset his plans, but the Montenegran’s replacement, 18-year-old Moussa Sylla, became the club’s second-youngest Champions League scorer.
The formation change that made the team more exciting to watch, but also more vulnerable. Ultimately, Henry shored up his midfield with his second-half substitutions, as the Brugge pressure grew.
18 – With his goal against Brugge, Moussa Sylla has became at 18 years, 10 months and 29 days, the second youngest player to score for Monaco on a Champions League’s game after Kylian Mbappé (18 years, 2 months and 1 day). Precocious. #BRUMON pic.twitter.com/XrudoH3u9P
— OptaJean ⭐⭐ (@OptaJean) October 24, 2018
TACTICAL TALKING POINT
Three at the back
Henry’s big decision was to opt for a three-man defence. It allowed his side to play on the counter, especially with the license Chadli was given, and Aleksandr Golovin seemed to benefit, as he was instrumental in most of Monaco’s best play throughout the game, including setting up their goal.
However, it also left the side overrun in midfield at times, as Brugge grew in confidence. Henry ultimately brought on right-back Benjamin Henrichs to sit in midfield and give the side more solidity.
VERDICT
Twice in two games, Henry has been forced into an early change due to an injury to a striker, and both times he’s coped admirably. It was Radamel Falcao who went off on Saturday, and Jovetic on Wednesday, but on both occasions Sylla acquitted himself well and gave his new manager one less headache.
Elsewhere, this was an improved performance from Monaco, especially in terms of their defending, after they’d look all at sea against Strasbourg. Henry will have been pleased.
RATING – 7/10
