Following AS Monaco’s 4-2 friendly win over Leeds United at Elland Road, Get French Football News’ Luke Entwistle spoke to right-back Ruben Aguilar (29) about the unusual mid-season break and the return of Ligue 1 action. 

Finishing this mid-season break with such an emphatic win over a Premier League side must give you a lot of confidence heading back into the Ligue 1 season?

“We were expecting a physical match, against a big team in a very competitive championship. We turned up and we’re happy because that’s a good omen for Auxerre. During this break, we have played different friendlies against some top teams, which has allowed us to prepare as well as possible for the return of Ligue 1.”

For you personally, having got injured in September, and not featuring since, it must feel great to be back on the pitch, especially amidst such an atmosphere…

“I couldn’t wait to get back on the pitch! I got injured two-and-a-half months ago, so I really wanted to make short-term objectives: to get minutes, to play in competitions, and to refind my teammates. I’m happy; that’s going well for the minute. We’re going to continue to work.”

It is the first time that we have had this early mid-season break. How has this unusual preparation time been? 

“It’s true that it’s the first time we’re experiencing this. We prepared well during the World Cup as well. It’s true that we haven’t stopped since we got back together, with this run of friendly matches, the camp in Spain, with all of these matches, so it has got us back in the swing of things. That’s the most important thing.”

You must be looking forward to the returns of Youssouf Fofana and Axel Disasi as well. Have you been in contact with them since their World Cup final defeat to Argentina?

“I’m sure they’ve had a lot of congratulations. We sent them a lot of strength. We can’t wait for them to return to the team, because they’re two formidable players and we need them.”

 

Click Here: leeds rhinos rugby jersey