Christian Mawissa: "We must work on erasing our mistakes"

A starter in the last two Ligue 1 matches, the Monaco full-back spoke with the media two days before a visit from his training club, Toulouse FC, in particular to discuss his latest performances.

This is a special match for him. A true “pitchoun” who came up in the TFC academy, before proving himself with the first team, Christian Mawissa will be reunited with his former teammates this weekend. It was therefore to discuss this important match in several respects, and to share his feelings, that the Rouge et Blanc defender spoke at a press conference.🎙️

On his first months at the Club

It was a big step for me to come to AS Monaco, and I am happy here, especially since I am starting to play matches. The environment is ideal and the team is really cool. There are only positives for the moment, and I hope it will continue.

It's natural for me, it's part of my personality, I'm just like that. I've learned to be ready in all circumstances.

Christian MawissaOn the confidence he exudes

His goal against Barcelona

When you arrive at a club and you score straight away in your first match, people look at you differently, especially since they didn’t know me. The fact that I played on the right? It’s not the easiest position for me, but I can adapt to all circumstances, I was able to deal with that in this match.

About his areas fror improvement

My handball in Marseille? Mistakes are part of the game. I came here to improve, so we are learning a little more in each match by trying to erase these mistakes. I’ve already absorbed it, I take it as a learning experience. The coach? He told me that it was normal because I’m young, but that we have to be able to erase that.

About the Champions League

The coach explained to us at the start of the season that we had to be ready for all the matches. So I try to be physically and mentally fit for each game. It’s a dream for any player to play in the Champions League, and I’ve prepared for it, so when it’s time to play, I’m ready.

Toulouse? It's special for me, because it's my training club, the one that allowed me to grow, become a professional and develop before coming here to AS Monaco. I'm one of the players who helped the club get back to the top flight and I'm proud of that.

On his level of confidence

It’s natural for me, it’s part of my personality, I’m like that. I’ve learned to be ready in all circumstances. The handball in Marseille? Next time I’ll try to do it differently, by putting my hand behind my back. I’m already focused on this weekend’s match against Toulouse.

About the Toulouse match

The results haven’t been good in the last two matches, but the way we play has been. That’s why we don’t lose confidence, it’s there and it’s always been there! I’m sure we’ll have a great match.

Toulouse? It’s special for me, because it’s my training club, the one that allowed me to grow, become a professional and develop before coming here to AS Monaco. I’m one of the players who helped the club get back to the top flight and I’m proud of that.

Will there be any teasing as the match approaches? Yes, but it’s childish. I talk every day on the phone with Guillaume (Restes), who is my friend. We are very happy to see each other again on the pitch. But if we have to score a goal on Saturday, I will!

I draw a lot of inspiration from all the central defenders at the Club, but in terms of aggression, it is certain that I particularly look at what Mohammed Salisu and Wilfried Singo do in this area. They give me a lot of advice on a daily basis.

Christian MawissaOn his role models in defence

Who he looks to in his position

Caio Henrique is a great player, he is a Brazilian international, so on the offensive side I take inspiration from him. He gives me a lot of advice in training. I also like Ferland Mendy at Real Madrid, because I appreciate his way of playing and I try to pick things up from what he does.

About his aggressive style

I draw a lot of inspiration from all the central defenders at the Club, but in terms of aggression, it is certain that I particularly look at what Mohammed Salisu and Wilfried Singo do in this area. They give me a lot of advice on a daily basis. Personally, I like to dominate my opponent to gain confidence in a match.

I don’t talk too much, just being there at the back is enough to take the upper hand. I’m more defensive in my style, even if I can contribute up front, as proven by my assist against Benfica.

Centrally, I find that you have more space, because you are facing play, while on the flanks you are on the edge of the touchline, so it is more difficult. Here there is a lot of competition in all positions, but it is healthy. In any case, whatever my position on the pitch, I am at the coach’s disposal, and I play where he asks me.

His call-up with the U-21s

A career is made step by step, and it is true that I took a new one with my first call-ups with Les Espoirs. I was in Toulouse before coming here, where I did all my classes in the French team, so I am in continuity.

On coach Adi Hütter

He really has a strong relationship with the players, and that’s not a given for everyone. He’s really close to us, and that’s what makes him a good coach and what makes us a good team.

Nous avons un groupe de qualité et nous sommes aussi dans cette idée-là, d’être les plus performants possible et de remporter le maximum de matchs.

On the team’s ambitions

All Ligue 1 clubs start the season to win. We have a quality group and we are also in this idea, to be as efficient as possible and to win as many matches as possible.