As Monaco prepares for a pivotal Champions League encounter against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, head coach Adi Hütter brings a wealth of experience that includes a notable history of achieving unexpected results against English opposition. Hütter vividly recalls orchestrating a significant upset when his Eintracht Frankfurt side triumphed 2-1 over Arsenal in the Europa League back in November 2019. This match not only marked the end of Unai Emery's tenure at the North London club but also set in motion events that would lead to Mikel Arteta's appointment as head coach, as highlighted by reports from The Telegraph.
Reflecting on that memorable night in London, Hütter expressed his fondness for the encounter, particularly recalling the contributions of players like Daichi Kamada, who scored both goals for Frankfurt. He reminisced, “I know what it’s like to go to the Emirates and, of course, I have good memories of it with Frankfurt. From the current team, I think Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli played for Arsenal.” Hütter’s previous successes with Frankfurt, which included a notable semi-final run in the Europa League against formidable opponents such as Inter Milan and Chelsea, underscore his tactical prowess.
Looking ahead to the upcoming clash, Hütter acknowledges the increased challenge posed by Arsenal's current impressive form. He remarked, “This will be a completely different challenge because the shape of Arsenal now is really good,” while also underscoring the readiness of his squad for the encounter. Both Monaco and Arsenal have amassed ten points in the group stage, reflecting Hütter’s effective management that has revitalised Monaco since his appointment last summer.
In discussing his tactical philosophy, Hütter expressed confidence in his team's style of play. “I prefer to play inspiring football, playing forwards and attacking. We will not hide at the Emirates, for sure not,” he asserted. This indicates that Monaco are set to adopt an adventurous approach, promising an engaging and dynamic contest for fans to anticipate.
Hütter’s coaching credentials are further strengthened by his previous triumphs, including league titles with Red Bull Salzburg and Young Boys, along with a remarkable 5-0 victory against Bayern Munich while managing Borussia Mönchengladbach. His impressive track record has not gone unnoticed in England; prior to joining Monaco, his name was linked with interest from several Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United.
On the topic of contract discussions, Hütter mentioned, “We are in contact – my agents and Monaco. We are in good conversations, and I think both are happy.” He conveyed his satisfaction with his current role but acknowledged a desire to eventually work in the Premier League.
A key player to watch for Monaco in this high-stakes fixture is Takumi Minamino, who has displayed significant improvement under Hütter's stewardship. The coach praised Minamino, stating, “He’s found his confidence again and he’s really important for us.” Having faced challenges during his time at Liverpool, Hütter hopes the Japanese international can seize this opportunity to inspire his team against a formidable Arsenal side.
As the match draws nearer, all eyes will be on Hütter’s Monaco to see if they can replicate their past successes against one of Europe’s elite clubs. The impending clash promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to showcase their talents on the grand stage.