Outstanding leaders at AS Monaco
On the occasion of the anniversary of AS Monaco’s new brand, Rise.Risk.Repeat., focus on five coaches who have contributed to shaping the history of the Principality’s club. Today, a look back at the journey of five “unique coaches” who have marked the last decades.
To obtain one of the finest records in French football (8 league titles, 5 French Cups) and shine on the European scene for several decades (seven semi-finals, two qualifications for a final), AS Monaco has knew how to trust innovative coaches, with profiles in line with the identity of the Club. Through their discourse, their philosophy or their management, these coaches have managed to write some of the most beautiful pages in history. On the occasion of the #RRRanniversary, a look back at the journey of five of these “outstanding leaders of men”, who made the reputation of the Red and Whites.
Lucien Leduc, the precursor
Former player and international tricolor (4 selections, 1 but), Lucien Leduc sat for the first time on the bench of AS Monaco in 1958. At that time, the prize list of the club of the Principality was still empty of titles. But he will fill it quickly. Apostle of the beautiful game, he enabled Monaco to win its first trophy, the 1960 Coupe de France, before being crowned French champion in 1961 and achieving the Club’s only double to date, in 1963. After more than ten years elsewhere, he returned home in 1976, when AS Monaco was in the second division. The comeback was immediate and, a major feat, the Reds and Whites won the D1 when they were promoted in 1978. Masterful!
Arsène Wenger, European ambition
The man who brought AS Monaco into a European dimension. Arrived on the bench at the start of the 1987-1988 season at only 38 years old, from Nancy, Arsène Wenger was quick to impose his mark, in the game as in the results, since his team won the title of champion of France. from his first year. And if three years later he won the Coupe de France, it was on the European that he was to be talked about, with a semi-final and a final of the Coupe des Coupes (1990 and 1992), as well as a half of the Champions League during his last season on the bench, in 1994.
Didier Deschamps, from the Rock to the roof of the world
Backed by an immense career as a player, in both clubs and national teams, Didier Deschamps immediately began that of coach at AS Monaco in 2001. After a difficult start, the “DD” coach refined his method and it paid off, with a victory in the Coupe de la Ligue in 2003. But it is above all the fabulous 2003-2004 season that remains in the memories of Monegasque supporters (but not only). With a team made up mainly of young players, embellished with Fernando Morientes at the forefront of the attack, the Red and Whites narrowly failed in the conquest of Ligue 1, but have managed a formidable course in the Champions League, losing only in the final against FC Porto (3-0), after having achieved legendary performances against La Coruña, Real Madrid and Chelsea. The sequel will lead Didier Deschamps to another victory in the World Cup, this time as coach, in 2018.
Leonardo Jardim, the guide to the golden generation
Leonardo Jardim arrived at the helm of the red and white team in 2014, from Sporting CP, succeeding Claudio Ranieri. And in his first season, he signed a first coup on the European scene by eliminating Arsenal in the round of 16, thanks in particular to a magnificent 3-1 success at the Emirates Stadium. But the most successful season of the Jardim era obviously remains that of 2016-2017. At the head of a golden generation (Falcao, Moutinho, Mbappé, Fabinho, Lemar, Bernardo Silva…), the Portuguese technician commits his team to the 8and title of champion in the history of the Club, thanks to an ultra-offensive game (107 goals in L1), as well as in the final of the League Cup and in the semi-finals of the Champions League. A true “masterpiece”.
Philippe Clément, ambition and development
Appointed coach of AS Monaco at the beginning of last January, Philippe Clément was entrusted with the mission of “continuing to advance the Club’s project”, as Paul Mitchell, the Sporting Director, had indicated during the press conference presenting the new coach. On the strength of his successful experience at the head of KRC Genk and Club Brugge, with which he won the Belgian championship three times, the Flemish technician has managed to relaunch a dynamic of very positive results, which allows AS Monaco to fight for European places, while giving a chance to young talents from the Academy.
𝗦𝗲𝘀 𝗱𝗲 𝗱𝗲 𝗱𝗲 𝘀𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝘁 𝗲𝘁 𝗹𝗮 𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝗲 𝗱𝘂 𝗱𝘂 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿.
Throwback to the Coach’s day, @philippe_clemnt 📺 pic.twitter.com/1oQmXOuqtk
– AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) January 5, 2022