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Monaco progresses in Coupe de France

by: Luke Entwistle
20/12/2021

AS Monaco avoided a potential banana skin as they eased to a 2-0 victory against Red Star in Paris. The result sees them progress to the round of 32, where they will face Quevilly-Rouen.
Pre-match, Nico Kovac had billed Sunday’s tie as a David and Goliath battle. Given the contrasting stature of the two clubs, the comparison was apt, although the latest instalment threw up an alternative ending.
Red Star had their chance to sling their shot and slay the great beast early on, but whereas David’s shot landed, Micheal Nilor’s attempt unmarked from five yards out couldn’t beat Radoslaw Majecki. The Polish international goalkeeper made the most of a rare start and expertly stuck out a leg to prevent his side going behind.
Minutes later, Red Star were made to pay for that glaring miss. Ironically, it was the diminutive figure of Wissam Ben Yedder, in his 100th game for the club, who put Monaco ahead. The French international capitalised on a defensive error before taking on a defender and slotting calmly past the Red star goalkeeper.
During the half-time interview, Eliot Matazo warned against complacency, stating, “We need to start the second-half well.” The rest of the team heeded his words as there was no let-up in the side’s intensity, only some poor finishing preventing Monaco from extending their lead.
Sofiane Diop, brought on for Aleksandr Golovin at half-time, chipped the Red Star goalkeeper, but his attempt bounced just wide of the post. Minutes later, Myron Boadu, who was a willing runner throughout, should have scored from close range, but couldn’t get his shot away quickly enough.
Monaco got a wake-up call mid-way through the second-half, as a looping Red Star header beat Majecki, with only the crossbar preventing the Parisian side from levelling.
The game was put beyond the minnows just minutes later as an incisive Matazo pass fed Ben Yedder, who confidently finished for his second of the day.
Both sides had the chance to add to the scoreline, but it remained 2-0, a result which sees Monaco progress to the next round of the Coupe de France, where they will face Ligue 2 side Quevilly-Rouen.
Post-match, Kovac praised his side’s mentality, saying, “My players were very serious. It is the attitude that you have to show when you face a third division side, if you want to avoid a faux pas.”
In their final match before a short Christmas break, Monaco face Rennes at the Stade Louis II on Wednesday, where a victory could lift them into the European places.

 
SEE ALSO:

ASM v Red Star preview: A David and Goliath tie

 
 
Photo source: AS Monaco
 
 
 

ASM transfer round-up: Tchouaméni, Sidibé, Aktürkoglu

by: Luke Entwistle
02/12/2021

In our latest Monaco transfer round-up, we reveal the latest rumours surrounding the future of the much-coveted Aurélien Tchouaméni, the rumoured surprise departure of Djibril Sidibé, and the potential arrival of a Turkish star.
Aurélien Tchouameni – linked by Tuttosport, Fabrizio Romano to Chelsea. The first edition of the Transfer round-up by Monaco Life revealed Chelsea’s interest in Monaco’s French international midfielder Tchouaméni. Tuttosport, who initially revealed the London club’s interest, are now reporting that a bid, rumoured to be around £50 million, has been launched to secure his signature ahead of a handful of rivals. Fabrizio Romano, a football transfer window journalist, revealed on Tuesday via his ‘Here We Go’ podcast, that Chelsea are now the leading contenders to sign the Frenchman. He added that Manchester United have since dropped out of the race, as their interest declined when it became obvious of Chelsea’s strong desire to sign the player.
It is unclear as to whether AS Monaco would sanction Tchouaméni’s exit in January, or whether this is a story that could potentially rumble-on until the summer. Either way, Tchouaméni’s exit does look like an inevitability, as it is the club’s model to sell young, exciting players at a hefty profit. For Monaco’s sake, they will be hoping that interest from around the continent manifests itself in material bids, thus allowing the Principality side to receive an elevated transfer fee.
Djibril Sidibé – linked by Sport to Barcelona. Another player rumoured to be heading for the exit door is French international and Monaco right wing-back Djibril Sidibé, whose contract expires in the summer. Rumours of Spanish giants Barcelona’s interest comes as a surprise, especially given their recent acquisition of Dani Alves, who would play in the same position. However, with Sidibé’s contract running down, the possibility of signing him as a free agent clearly interests the Catalan side. Sidibé has actually been a long-term target for Barcelona, as they attempted to sign the French international in 2017.
Benoit Badiashile – linked by Gazzetta dello Sport to AC Milan. Under-21 French international Badiashile, having already been previously linked with a move to Tottenham (as revealed in our last edition of the transfer round-up), is now attracting interest from Italy. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Badiashile features on a shortlist of centre-back targets for AC Milan, and although this doesn’t necessarily mean that they will make a move for the player, it is clear that they are admirers.
Kerem Aktürkoglu – linked by Sabah Sport to AS Monaco. The 23-year-old Turkish winger Aktürkogu, valued by his club Galatasaray, at €25 million is a potential target for Nico Kovac’s side. If they are to obtain his signature however, they will have to fend off considerable competition, with interest being shown around Europe, particularly from Olympique Marseille. The Turkish international has already registered three goals in an impressive start to the season.
 
 
Photo of Djibril Sidibé, source AS Monaco football club
 
 
 

ASM v Angers preview: “We are expecting a tough opponent”

by: Luke Entwistle
30/11/2021

In Tuesday’s pre-match press conference, AS Monaco head coach Nico Kovac said the match against Angers will be difficult. His misfiring side will be looking to get their Ligue 1 season back on track.
Currently presiding over sixth place in the Ligue 1 table, Angers, managed by Gerard Baticle, are currently exceeding all expectations. Last season the side finished in a respectable, but unspectacular, 13th place. But the side are rejuvenated this season thanks partially to their new manager and also some key performers on the field.
It will therefore be a difficult game for Kovac’s men, especially given their recent poor form in the domestic division. “We know the statistics. The last four games in Ligue 1 we didn’t win (one defeat, three draws),” said Kovac during Tuesday’s press conference. “Now we are facing Angers, a team which is performing really well. Their new coach has implemented a new system. They have some very good individual players, and we are expecting a tough opponent.”

ASM Head Coach Niko Kova during Monday’s press conference, photo by Luke Entwistle for Monaco Life

Sofiane Boufal in particular, a former Southampton player and Moroccan international, will likely cause Monaco’s back four a lot of difficulty, especially as the Principality side transition tactically from a back three. AS Monaco are also hampered by the loss of centre-back Benoit Badiashile who, along with Cesc Fabregas and long-term absentee Krepin Diatta, will be unavailable for the trip.
Angers’ forwards certainly have the capacity to cause problems further up the field which, coupled with ASM’s difficulties in the attacking third, could make for a tough game for Kovac’s side. The Monaco manager addressed the side’s attacking issues, when questioned by Monaco Life about the low confidence of strikers Kevin Volland and Myron Boadu in particular.
“Kevin (Volland) is maybe not scoring too many goals compared to last season, but he is assisting. What is important for me though is that Kevin is a very intelligent player. A player who is giving 100% over the course of the 90 minutes… Myron it is the same. He is a young player, and he needs a little bit of time… It is the small click that we need for him. We are waiting for this, but there is no problem waiting… when it starts, there could be a flow of goals.”
Kovac will be hoping that the goals start flowing soon, as Monaco look to quickly catch-up with their rivals in the battle for the European qualification places. A win against Angers on Wednesday evening will certainly help in their fight to climb back up the table.
 
 
Top photo by Luke Entwistle for Monaco Life
 
 

Lacklustre AS Monaco pick up unsatisfying draw

by: Luke Entwistle
29/11/2021

AS Monaco couldn’t back-up their midweek triumph against Real Sociedad on Sunday, as Nico Kovac’s men only managed a draw against fellow mid-table side Strasbourg, which saw them slip further adrift of the European places.
Kovac has previously questioned his players’ motivation in Ligue 1 fixtures, but this wasn’t evident in the opening stages of this fixture. Deploying a 4-4-2, AS Monaco got a lot of joy down the wings, especially down the left-wing where Ruben Aguilar and Aleksandr Golovin were producing nice combinations and providing lots of dangerous crosses.
One such cross from Aguilar found Wissam Ben Yedder in the box, who did well to control and get off a shot, which hit the inside of the post and rolled agonisingly along the line before being cleared. AS Monaco continued to dominate proceedings, and were disappointed not to receive a penalty as the ball seemingly struck the arm of a Strasbourg player in the box; to the dismay of the 3,500 strong crowd, VAR didn’t overturn the decision.
Monaco did, however, get the reward for their hard work just before the break. Kevin Volland was brought down in the box and Ben Yedder confidently converted the penalty to put the Principality side ahead on the stroke of half-time.
All of that hard work was, however, undone in an instant. Only seconds into the second-half, ex-Strasbourg player Youssouf Fofana did his former club a favour and brought down Ludovic Ajorque in the box to give the away side an unlikely route back unto the match. Ajorque then stepped up to take the penalty, and sent Aleksandr Nübel the wrong way.

What ensued was a disappointing, frustrating half of football as, despite a formation change and multiple substitutions, Kovac’s men failed to create any clear-cut opportunities to get back in-front. Volland, however, should have done better when he found himself unmarked on the edge of the box, but could only shoot tamely into the arms of Matz Sels in the Strasbourg goal. It was the shot of a striker low on confidence, and his lack of efficiency, coupled with his inability to hold the ball up, began to frustrate the home crowd, which was becoming increasingly restless as the half wore-on.
Despite their creative deficiencies, AS Monaco did muster one final opportunity. Myron Boadu, on as a substitute, found himself unmarked six yards out, but his volley, which was ultimately the final kick off the game, flew agonisingly wide. Cue the final whistle, accompanied by a chorus of boos from the dissatisfied Monaco faithful.
Kovac didn’t hide his disappointment post-match. “We weren’t at the level that we recorded three days ago against Real Sociedad… Overall, it wasn’t enough today, but the Angers match is coming up quickly, and we’ll have a new opportunity to do better.”
Kovac will be hoping for a victory away at Angers on Wednesday, which could ignite their stuttering league season, and help them close the gap on the European places.
 
 
Photo by Luke Entwistle for Monaco Life
 
 
 

Impressive AS Monaco secure Europa League progression

by: Luke Entwistle
26/11/2021

AS Monaco booked their place in the Europa league play-offs thanks to a hard-fought 2-1 against La Liga highfliers Real Sociedad, as Prince Albert II watched on from the stands.
Nico Kovac lived up to his pre-match promise of providing an attacking display as he named four attackers in his line-up as well as a pair of attacking wing-backs in the form of Caio Henrique and Djibril Sidibé. There was, however, no space in the matchday squad for Aurelién Tchouaméni who picked up a niggle in training, though Kovac assured that the injury wasn’t severe, stating that he was “very positive that he is able to play on Sunday”.
Despite the best efforts of a sizeable and buoyant away support, Real Sociedad failed to gain a foothold in the early stages. AS Monaco were able to control the match, but without posing a threat. That changed mid-way through the half, however, as a Kevin Volland tap-in sparked the game into life. Much of the credit for the opener must go to Aleksandr Golovin, who was a thorn in Real Sociedad’s side all night, as he laid the ball on a plate for the German striker to convert.
What followed was a frenzied 10 minutes of football. Aleksandr Isak restored parity with a cheeky chip past Aleksandr Nübel to send the away section into raptures. But that joy was short lived as Youssouf Fofana immediately restored ASM’s advantage, heading in from a yard out to register his first goal for the Principality side.

With a lead to preserve, the second-half was inevitably a much cagier affair, but ASM were resolute, sitting in a well-organised, compact low block. Real Sociedad were largely deprived of any chances, but were given a boost late-on as Fofana, having earlier scored, was harshly shown red for a late challenge. With only a matter of minutes to capitalise on their numerical advantage, Sociedad pushed for a winner. half-chances fell to Maxime Le Marchand and Mikel Oyarzabal, but neither could convert.
The tension in the stadium during the six minutes of stoppage time was palpable, as fans urged the referee to blow for full time. When the final whistle did eventually go, it was a moment of great catharsis; all of the tension gave way to jubilation as ASM secured their playoff spot in-front of Prince Albert II, who watched on, proudly from the box.

Photo of Prince Albert at a Thursday night’s match, source: AS Monaco

Kovac was understandably in good spirits in the post-match conference, and lavished his players with praise: “Today I am proud and happy with the team’s performance. This evening is proof that when you play with passion, you can earn good results. If we keep these ingredients, my team can do beautiful things.”
Kovac will be hoping for a similar display on Sunday as attention turns back to Ligue 1 with another match at the Stade Louis II against Strasbourg.
 
 
 

Transfer round-up: Tchouaméni, Golovin and Adamu linked with moves

by: Luke Entwistle
17/11/2021

In our new, regular feature, Monaco Life sports journalist Luke Entwistle brings you the ‘Transfer round-up’, uniting all AS Monaco related transfer rumours in one place.
Aurélien Tchouaméni – linked by Tuttosport to Chelsea. Touted for a fee of €50 million. A deal could be complicated by interest from other clubs, most notably Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus, but it remains to be seen whether ASM would be willing to let their young international star leave mid-season. Tchouaméni’s impressive form for Kovac’s side has seen him become a full French international, and he has quickly asserted himself in Didier Deschamps’ side.
Benoit Badiashile – linked by Calciomercato to Tottenham. The French U21 international’s recent impressive form has seen him linked with a potential £25 million move to Antonio Conte’s side. An integral element of an ASM defence which hasn’t conceded in their last three matches, Badiashile would fetch an attractive fee, and with interest throughout the continent, a subsequent bidding war would only increase this fee.
Aleksandr Golovin – linked by Liverpool Echo via Championat to Everton. Benitez is thought to be a long-term admirer of the Russian playmaker, and ASM are hoping to fetch a fee of around £40 million. Although it remains to be seen whether Everton would be willing to meet the asking price in the January transfer window, what is clear is that Benitez is keen to replace James Rodriguez who left the Mersey club to join Qatari side Al-Rayyan towards the end of the summer transfer window.
Chukwubuike Adamu – linked by The Daily Mail to AS Monaco. The British newspaper is reporting that Kovac is interested in Red Bull Salzburg. The £15 million rated Austrian striker is attracting interest from all around Europe with Southampton, as well as a host of Bundesliga sides interested in securing his signature.
Jonathan Clauss – linked by Foot Mercato to AS Monaco. The French right-back, who has enjoyed a strong start to the season with RC Lens is in demand on the French Riviera, with interest from both OGC Nice and ASM Monaco. According to Foot Mercato, Clauss would be available for a fee of around €15 million, and would compete with Aguilar for the right wing-back position.
Patrick Wålemark – linked by Göteborg Posten to AS Monaco. The Swedish right-winger, capped six times by his country at U21 level, is believed to be a player of interest. Having registered eight goals and six assists for Häcken in the Swedish top division, he has now started to catch the attention of numerous clubs across the continent. The 20-year-old winger interests Monaco greatly, but is also attracting interest from Girondins de Bordeaux, Ajax, Atalanta, Anderlecht and Sassuolo.
 
 
Photo of Aurélien Tchouaméni, source: AS Monaco football club