He is full of confidence. Recruited this summer to replace Alexander Nübel, whose two-year loan had come to an end, Philippe Köhn has established himself in recent weeks as one of the major elements of AS Monaco (3rd in the standings, 24 points). The Rocher club will count on it again against Paris SG (1st, 27 points), this Friday (9 p.m., Amazon Prime Video), at the opening of the 13th day of Ligue 1, to win the three points and thus return to the level of his prestigious evening opponent.
However, the beginnings of the Swiss goalkeeper, who arrived from RB Salzburg for a check for €8 million, were difficult. For his first start in the French championship, against Clermont Foot 63, he committed a handball which gave the Auvergnats a goal. Fortunately for him – and for his team – this mistake did not prevent the Principality club from winning the match (2-4).
The fact remains that it took him time to adapt to meet the expectations placed on him. “We all make mistakes, no matter the position. After the first goal conceded in Clermont, I learned a lot. I have felt good since. I can still improve in certain areas and my goal is to ensure that we win matches without conceding a goal. I know it’s going to happen,” he explained at a press conference at the end of September, before the clash against Olympique de Marseille (3-2).
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And he was right. Before the international break, the 25-year-old goalkeeper stood out against Le Havre (0-0). Manhandled, AS Monaco conceded several clear chances. But he knew how to preserve his goals by making five saves…and above all by saving a penalty in added time of the match. A big performance. “It was an incredible emotion, especially since it was the last action. Thanks to this save, we were able to come away with a point and achieve a second consecutive clean sheet, even if we would have liked to win, he said on Wednesday at a press conference. But that’s in the past now, and I have to focus on the future and this match against PSG.”
As Köhn indicated, Adi Hütter’s men went two matches without conceding a goal. A first this season. “Of course it’s very important to get a clean sheet. When we don’t concede a goal, we logically have a better chance of coming away with three points. Sometimes we are better in defense than in attack, and sometimes it is the opposite,” explained Philippe Köhn. Before specifying: “Facing Paris, we will have to not make easy mistakes (and) take advantage of the opportunities we have.”
However, to prepare for this shock against the Parisian leader and his impressive offensive strike force, the Swiss did not change his habits. “My preparation won’t really be any different than usual. It is certain, however, that it is always good to play against this opponent and to meet these players, he assured. We analyzed the video and watched their latest penalties, to find out where they prefer to take. I always prepare this way, there’s nothing extra special.” Will this preparation bear fruit? Answer this Friday late evening.