Monaco, lost illusions / C3 / 8th / Monaco-Braga (1-1) / SOFOOT.com
Two weeks. This is the time it took for Monaco’s season – already not so well embarked – to capsize, from elimination in the Coupe de France in Nantes to that against Braga in the Europa League, passing through a sad setback at a direct competitor in Ligue 1, Strasbourg. Always as perfectible in the game, the formation of Philippe Clément does not advance and does not offer much, match after match.
We are March 6, Philippe Clément can exult and type in the hand of each member of his staff with determination. Dominated in the first period, his AS Monaco has just pulled off a nice blow on the lawn of the Vélodrome thanks to a pawn from Gelson Martins (0-1), before defeating the few Marseille inclinations. Three days after crashing out in the Coupe de France in Nantes (2-2, 4-2 TAB), the club from the Principality accredits the thesis of the accident and is relaunching for the umpteenth time in the race for European qualification in championship. Yes, but actually no. Three games later, this Monaco is still struggling to produce play and has only found the fault once, on a header from Disasi this Thursday evening at the edge of additional time.
two weeks in hell
Three league meetings prolong the ordeal: a new disillusionment in the Europa League and a setback in Strasbourg (1-0). Since March 3, Monaco has therefore taken the door in the two cups and seen the European places move away a little further in the championship, showing their – many – limits at La Meinau against an unexpected direct competitor. Worse, the training of Philippe Clément showed no desire, no revolt, no personality. Against Braga again, Aurélien Tchouaméni and others never knew how to light the flame, as Lille or Rennes were able to do, despite a deficit of two but before the return leg. Neither Northerners nor Bretons were able to turn the tide in the end, but they could say they have tried everything.
This new insipid performance is in line with this Monaco which has been living since the start of the season, far from the flamboyant formation of Niko Kovač who had illuminated the first half of 2021, to the point of tickling the calves of PSG on the podium. Thanked during the truce, the Croatian must be wondering what the arrival of Philippe Clément has brought. “We have done a very thorough analysis of the situation, with far more information than any commentator. Sometimes you have to make long-term decisions. justified sporting director Paul Mitchell in recent days in the columns of beautiful morning. Just before seeing his coach scolding his flock for one of the first times before this decisive match for the club’s European future. “I want to see a team that fights to the end every time. I said it like I meant it in the locker roomlaunched Clément at a press conference. The attitude of not fighting, then it’s impossible to win against a team that has a good mentality. I am disappointed, angry. » No effect, at least for now.
And now ?
Philippe Clément’s record since his arrival is five wins, four draws and five defeats in all competitions since his appointment. But the coach seems to be hanging on to his Rock, despite three small victories in Ligue 1 since January (Clermont, Lyon and Marseille, therefore). ” I have complete confidence in him. He is a winner, an extremely studious and hardworking coach.Mitchell defended him.We will give him our full support. You have to be patient and give it time. The last coach had our support for sixteen months, Philippe needs the same. He will be an excellent investment in the coming seasons for the club. »
Nevertheless: Monaco will again end the season without a trophy. And above all wonders he will be able to claim next year, while a European qualification – yet decisive in the club’s policy – is now hypothetical. Ten games to play, six points and three places to fill in… Strasbourg: everything is still possible, but we will have to roll up our sleeves at the risk of seeing the sky darken a little more. Also hoping that Dmitri Rybolovlev will not in turn be sanctioned in retaliation for the Russian invasion of Ukraine, like Roman Abramovich at Chelsea. In the meantime, it is against PSG that the Red and Whites will have to raise their heads, and this from Sunday. Who could possibly be the sicker of the two?
By Tom Binet