Monaco almost back to the wall in Budapest
Third before this day, AS Monaco can, depending on the circumstances, be eliminated from the Europa League this Thursday evening. The Monegasques must find the way to victory on the lawn of Ferencvaros to avoid headaches.
In case of defeat on the lawn of Ferencvaros, the Monegasques can be eliminated from the Europa League if, at the same time, Trabzonspor beat Red Star in Belgrade. To avoid such a disappointment, the ASM must avoid being surprised again by Hungarians victorious at Louis-II (0-1) in mid-September. If everything is still possible in this group H, a premature elimination of Monaco requires a task for the princely club so ambitious.
A bad memory
With three consecutive victories in Nice (0-1), Belgrade (0-1) and against Lyon (2-1), Wissam Ben Yedder and his family were surprised, in the first leg, by the men of Stanislav Tchertchessov (0-1).
“We concede a but on their only opportunity in the second period, regrets Benoît Badiashile. You have to be more killer in both surfaces.” Coach Philippe Clément also goes in this direction: “We did not score despite our chances. We know it, Ferencvaros is a very united team with great quality in transitions.” The Monegasques are warned, they must not be surprised again.
Out of confidence
To better manage the Hungarian assaults, the Belgian technician is tempted by a return to a 5-man defense. This system had not been used correctly since this defeat on September 15. The 4-4-2 then allowed ASM to win its next four matches. Problem, the dynamic is no longer the same. Monaco remains on three games without a win and nine goals conceded.
“The will is from time to time too great. We want to force things and we lose the structure”, explains Philippe Clément. To better manage the balance of his team, the Belgian will be able to count this time on the presence of Mohammed Camara, not suspended in the Europa League.
Pressure ? “You have to like it to be a top player”
Any other result than a victory at Groupama Arena would put AS Monaco in a delicate situation. On the other hand, a success would offer a kind of final to Louis II against the Red Star of Belgrade next Thursday. Players must therefore ignore the disaster scenario and achieve their best football from 9 p.m. “The pressure must be there, admits Philippe Clément. It’s a good thing! You have to like it to be a top player. I want this mentality in our locker room.” For Benoît Badiashile, Monaco need not be afraid: “We know our strengths and our qualities. Even if there are a lot of issues, there is no reason for things to go wrong.”