It was (very) awaited. Wilfried Singo, recent winner of the African Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast, returned to training with AS Monaco this week. He should, in all likelihood, find a place in the Monaco squad this weekend, for the clash against RC Lens (Sunday, 1:00 p.m.). The versatile defender even has a good chance of being in the starting eleven. A valuable return for the formation of the Principality.
In his absence, the Rocher club went through a difficult period despite a fairly affordable schedule for a team playing for the podium (Stade de Reims, Olympique de Marseille, Le Havre AC, OGC Nice, Toulouse FC): two losses, two matches draws and only one victory in five matches. The fault, among other things, is great defensive feverishness (ten goals conceded), particularly on set pieces. So, obviously, the return of Wilfried Singo – one of the key elements of ASM’s great first part of the season – should be very useful. “The return of Wilfried Singo will do us a lot of good I think, whether in the game or on these famous set pieces. He was slightly injured, so we have to make a decision whether he can start or not. But we have to be careful, because we need him for the rest of the season,” explained Adi Hütter this Friday at a press conference.
The defender, who arrived in the Principality last summer from Torino for a check for €10 million, knows well that he can contribute a lot on free kicks and defensive corners: “I think I put a lot desire and determination in the set phases, perhaps that is why I am comfortable in this sector, he told journalists. I also work a lot in training, just like my teammates. We all help each other to become better.”
However, the 23-year-old does not want to give himself too much importance. He believes that the success of the Monegasque club will depend on collective progress. “I don’t think I’m the messiah (laughs). We have had some difficult times in recent weeks, that happens in a season. We need to work, as we do every day, and play with more concentration and determination,” he said modestly.
Furthermore, its contribution could (also) be translated differently. Indeed, he returns with a lot of determination after his continental coronation won with Ivory Coast. “I was obviously happy to win the competition. I also upset my African teammates a little by playing little jokes on them. Now, I am returning with a lot of strength, desire and the desire to get back on track with AS Monaco,” he assured. A good omen for AS Monaco who will need their intrinsic defensive qualities, and their winning mindset, to overcome RC Lens who are undoubtedly vengeful after their elimination in the Europa Conference League against SC Freiburg.
