Caio Henrique: "I am feeling better and better physically" | OneFootball

With three assists in his last six outings in Ligue 1, the Brazilian fullback spoke with the media two days before the team's trip to face Le SCO (Saturday, 7 p.m.).

He has returned to top form in recent weeks. He provided the assist with his right foot for the opening goal for Mika Biereth against Stade de Reims, and Caio Henrique has been stringing together good performances. With three assists in February, the Brazilian spoke at a press conference before the team’s trip to Angers (Saturday, 7 p.m.), for the 26th matchday of Ligue 1 🎙️

On the team’s away matches

This season we’ve dropped a lot of points away from home, that’s obvious. It’s frustrating for us, because last year, on the contrary, we did a good job on the road, winning many games away from home. Today, we need to get back to winning ways, and that starts with this match in Angers.

We have to avoid them as much as possible and above all not repeat them, by being focused throughout the match. It's important, especially to get clean sheets, because it gives confidence to the defense. But it's not an individual job, it's a team job!

Regarding individual errors

There have indeed been quite a few avoidable errors this season, and I think it’s a bit mental. Sometimes there are easy balls that we lose in midfield or in front of the defense, and it’s frustrating, it’s even hard difficult for us! Especially since in training we work daily to improve on this and win matches. We need to improve on this, but I think the team showed some good things in the last few matches in the first half.

In Toulouse we conceded a goal at the very end, of course, but we’re working to erase these mistakes. We have to avoid them as much as possible and above all not repeat them, by being focused throughout the match. It’s important, especially to get clean sheets, because it gives confidence to the defense. But it’s not an individual job, it’s a team job! I was the first to make a mistake this season, but I know that I have always retained the confidence of the team and the staff, and that’s what’s important.

On communication

There may sometimes be a bit of a lack of communication between us, it’s true, because we can lose the ball when there’s no inevitable danger. It’s a bit tough, but it can be improved on, and we’ll do everything we can to improve. Are we angry with each other? No, I don’t think so, because we’re like a family with young players supported by experienced players. The atmosphere is good every day in training, but we’re aware that we have to win points.

I'm aware that the start of the season wasn't good for me because I wasn't 100% physically, especially since I was injured during training. But little by little, I'm feeling better, especially athletically, and that's important for me.

A difficult start to the season

I’m aware that the start of the season wasn’t good for me because I wasn’t 100% physically, especially since I was injured during training. But little by little, I’m feeling better, especially athletically, and that’s important for me.

Especially in the last few matches where I’ve provided a few assists, which is always good for me mentally. But I’m working hard for this, like everyone else here, and I’m very happy to be back and able to help the team. There are nine Ligue 1 matches left to play, and I hope to have nine great performances with AS Monaco.

His injury and the national team

It’s obvious that it’s going to be difficult for me to return to the national team now, but the most important thing for me is to do my job well here, and if that’s the case, I might be able to return. But I’m comfortable with that, I’m in a good mental state, and I have to focus on my daily work at the club. After an injury like mine, players sometimes think they’re fine and at 100% physical fitness when they return.

While it always takes time to get back to the same level, that’s the case for me personally. Even today, I’m not at my peak, maybe 85%. But you have to take it step by step with the trust of the staff and the players, and that’s football! The knee? It’s okay now (smiles).

Matchups against the big teams

There are teams that have beaten us, and we’ll have to put in good performances against them, but we also need to win our away games! Starting with Angers, where the match will be tough, as they have just drawn three times in the league, so they need to reassure themselves. But we’ll give it our all to win.

Against the big teams, we've sometimes put in good performances. like in Marseille, but we lost in the end. So we'll have to be totally focused from start to finish to win against them at home.

Caio HenriqueFacing the big teams

And then there will be two big matches against Nice and Marseille at home to move ahead of them. It’s important for us, as it is for the fans! Against the big teams, we’ve sometimes put in good performances. like in Marseille, but we lost in the end. So we’ll have to be totally focused from start to finish to win against them at home.

His role in the dressing room

There are a lot of young players here, who often look at what experienced players like Aleksandr Golovin, who has been here for seven years already, or me, are doing. So we have to give our all every day in training to set a good example. And that starts with being in a good mood from the morning when we arrive. It’s important for the cohesion of the squad! When I see in training that there is one who can do better, I speak to him directly.

On talking to each other

We need to be more together. Sometimes we’re at 100% in the first half, we create chances, but at halftime we lose focus and the opponent takes advantage. On the contrary, we have to be focused at all times, whether in the first or second half, to score more goals and win the match. In the locker room, we talk among ourselves. If I make a mistake, they’ll tell me, and that’s necessary sometimes!

Il n’a peut-être pas beaucoup marqué cette saison, mais le travail qu’il fait défensivement notamment est incroyable ! Surtout sur les derniers matchs. Cela nous donne de la confiance supplémentaire pour défendre, car quand je vois qu’il fait une course de 30 mètres pour aider l’arrière-garde, c’est comme une inspiration pour moi.

Caio HenriqueSur Breel Embolo

On the contributions of Breel Embolo

He may not have scored much this season, but the work he’s doing defensively is incredible! Especially in recent matches. He gives us extra confidence to defend, because when I see him make a 30-meter run to help the defence, it’s an inspiration to me.

Having this mindset is important for winning matches and for the team. We’ll work together to win this match in Angers. Breel also creates space for others, and that’s crucial for players like Maghnes and Taki.

On his assists

The coach has talked with me a lot this season, and I agree with him that I wasn’t always 100% in training at times. Once again, I was coming back from injury, and it sometimes takes time to get back into shape. In any case, you always have to respect the coach’s decisions, even if it’s mentally tough when you’re not playing, because the most important thing is the team, and that’s working to turn things around.

But now I’m fully focused. There are nine matches left, and I hope to have a good performance this weekend against Angers and perhaps provide another assist, because it’s good for my morale and my confidence. But the most important thing is to get the three points.

His feeling on the pitch

Once again, I’m not back to 100% of my potential, but I’m gaining more and more confidence, especially in defensive duels and in tackles, which isn’t easy when you’re coming back from injury. In any case, I’m on the right track!

The assist with my right foot? It’s not always easy to cross with my left foot when opponents are closing down spaces, so you have to adapt. But the most important thing is for the attackers to take up space well so that I can find them in the right area, and with my right foot too (smiles).

Before my injury, there were certainly rumors about me, but I have to say I’m very happy here, and so is my family, especially since I have a lot of friends. French? I learned it with the group (smiles).

During my first season, it wasn’t easy because Cesc Fábregas and Guillermo Maripán were there, so we often spoke Spanish. But now I have a lot, even though I can still improve. I understand everything, but it’s sometimes more difficult to speak it (smiles). Vandi’ it speaks very well too!