Football
Ian Holyman, France correspondent 9y

Layvin Kurzawa rejects criticism of Monaco's tactics from Dugarry

Layvin Kurzawa has responded to criticism of Monaco's dull league displays by insisting he is "not bored out on the pitch."

Monaco surprised not only Arsenal but also many observers of French football when they beat the Gunners 3-1 in the Champions League at Emirates Stadium last week with some vibrant counter-attacking football.

It contrasted starkly to their uninspiring performances in Ligue 1, the most recent of which came in their 0-0 draw at home to Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday evening.

Though it is a recipe which has helped the principality club into fourth place in the table, their workmanlike style has attracted criticism.

But Kurzawa, 22, has told RMC they are tactics the team will employ as long as they bring success.

"I'm not bored out on the pitch. Those watching can say what they like. That's their problem, their work," he insisted. "As long as we get our result on the pitch, that we try to score goals and not concede any, that's good for us.

"If we could win 3-0 and take three points every weekend, that would suit us. Sometimes, you have to be able to not play well, win 1-0 and not lose. Whether people like that or not is not our problem. We are there to play and win."

Monaco have scored 26 goals in 26 games this season, relying on an airtight defence that has conceded just 19 goals to climb the table after a disappointing start.

Former France international Christophe Dugarry was particularly forthright in his opinion of Monaco's display against PSG, and reiterated his negative appraisal of their performance to RMC.

"I don't see how I could have said something good about Monaco's performance on Sunday," he said. "If I had commentated on them on Wednesday, I would have enjoyed it, I would only have said good things.

"Honestly, how can you say anything good about Monaco's match when they created zero chances at home?

"I can accept that they might be tired, but this team has the potential and the players to create more than zero chances against Paris Saint-Germain.

"In the main game of the weekend in Ligue 1, I found Monaco's display to be the same as that which they have put in since the start of the season.

"If it had only happened once or twice, OK, but it's been the same since the start."

Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim, who took over from Claudio Ranieri last summer, suggested to media Dugarry's comments were based on a lack of experience of life in the dug-out.

"Has he coached a lot of teams?" asked Jardim. "I'm very calm, because we really know our club, we know our goals and our jobs."

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