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Ben Yedder and Minamino open their accounts in Monaco win

by: Luke Entwistle
19/09/2022

AS Monaco secured a third consecutive Ligue 1 victory against 10-man Reims on Sunday to move them up to fifth in the table before the upcoming international break. 

The win sees Philippe Clement’s side soar up the table to fifth. Just three gameweeks ago, Monaco languished in 16th after a combination of questionable refereeing decisions and a difficult schedule saw them struggle for form.

However, their return to form has been confirmed in consecutive Ligue 1 victories again Nice, Lyon and Reims, who are somewhat of a bogey team for Monaco. The Principality side have only beaten them twice in nine attempts since they rejoined the top flight in 2018.

The fixture, the last before the international break, which will pause domestic football for a weekend, also saw a return to form for some key players. Wissam Ben Yedder, who was only outscored by Kylian Mbappé last season, and Takumi Minamino both picked up their first league goals of the season. For the latter, it was his first goal in the red and white of Monaco and will undoubtedly boost his confidence after a difficult start at the club.

However, the 3-0 scoreline doesn’t give a full reflection on the difficulty of the match. For large periods, Monaco struggled to break down Reims, who played the majority of the game with 10-men.

Yehvann Diouf saved well from Breel Embolo, before recovering and producing a spectacular stop to deny Ben Yedder on the rebound. Not long after, the game was turned on its head when Bradley Locko was shown a straight red when he caught Embolo on the follow-through. It was a harsh decision, but given Monaco’s poor luck with refereeing decisions at the beginning of the season, they won’t be complaining.

Monaco breached the Reims’ low-block just after the break. Aleksandr Golovin, who is showing his best form in Monaco colours, backed up his recent performances with a goal, heading in a brilliant Axel Disasi cross-field ball.

Diouf then kept Reims in the game with stunning saves from Mohamed Camara and then again from Ben Yedder. However, Reims couldn’t find an equaliser and a late double from Minamino and Ben Yedder added a sheen to the victory that takes them into the European places and back within striking distance of their rivals for the European places.

Monaco have played more matches than any of their rivals at the beginning of this congested season, and Clement is happy to finish this “sprint within a marathon” on a high.

“It is a good victory for us to finish a long run of matches every three days. I remind you that we are the French team that has played the most matches since the start of the season,” said Clement.

On the performances of Ben Yedder and Minamino, who have the ability to be decisive players for Monaco, Clement said, “I am happy because Wissam is very engaged, and is rewarded by scoring a beautiful goal. I am also happy for Taki’ who came on and finished with a goal and an assist. He was quicker, more agile, and fresher today.”

Monaco now have a well-earned break, although the standout performances of many in the squad have seen them called up to their respective international squads. Youusouf Fofana and Benoît Badiashile will join up with the France squad at Clairefontaine for the first time. Those who remain in La Turbie have a slightly reduced schedule but will face Genoa in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Thursday.

Monaco fans will have to wait until 2nd October for the return of competitive action as the Principality side host FC Nantes at the Stade Louis II.

 

Photo by AS Monaco

 

 

 

 

Prince congratulates environmentally-focussed King Charles on ascension to the throne

by: luke@monacolife.net
16/09/2022

Prince Albert II has officially congratulated King Charles III on his ascension to the British throne. He inherits the title following the recent death of Queen Elizabeth II.  

In an official dispatch from the Palace, Prince Albert evoked King Charles’ devotion to sustainability, a paramount issue on the Principality’s agenda, as an ideologically binding topic between the Princely and the Royal Family.

King Charles has long been an advocate of environmental politics and in 2020 he spoke at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he detailed the environmental crises that threaten the world.

The Palace statement released on Friday 16th September reads:

“It is a true pleasure to offer you our warmest congratulations on the occasion of your ascension to the throne.

The Princess and I wish you every success in leading the people of the United Kingdom and the many great nations of the Commonwealth. I am confident that under your reign, peace and stability will continue to prosper.

I look forward to seeing the important work you have achieved throughout your life further flourish in the years to come. Notably, the great weight you place on sustainability, the fight against climate change and ocean conservation issues that I know we both feel are paramount for the future of our planet.

On behalf of the citizens of the Principality of Monaco, it is my honour to share our best wishes of good health and prosperity.”

The Palace also released photographs of Prince Albert and Prince Charles together.

Prince Charles at the Hôtel de Paris with Prince Albert and Princess Caroline in April 1977. Photo courtesy Archives du Palais Princier

Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II last Thursday, the Princely family has paid tribute to the longest-serving British monarch. As well as releasing a public letter of condolence, the Prince’s Palace flew the Monégasque flag at half mast.

Upon the death of his mother, Prince Charles immediately ascended to the throne, and the funeral of his mother, Queen Elizabeth, will take place in London on Monday 19th.

Prince Albert and Prince Charles in the bay of Monaco in April 1977. Photo courtesy G. Lukomski Archives Palais princier

 

 

 

Photo above of Prince Albert II and King Charles III during Prince Haakon of Norway’s marriage in 2001, credit NIVIERE SIPA

 

 

SEE ALSO: 

PRINCE ALBERT SENDS CONDOLENCES ON DEATH OF “INSPIRING” QUEEN ELIZABETH II

MONACO MARKS THE PASSING OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II

 

 

Monte Carlo Opera season 2023 unveiled by new director, Cecilia Bartoli

by: Cassandra Tanti
16/09/2022

It was a packed house at the Opera Garnier on Friday 16th September as opera singer Cecilia Bartoli presented the upcoming schedule for the Opera de Monte-Carlo, her first as director.

“It is with great joy that I present you my first season as director of the Monte Carlo Opera,” said Cecilia Bartoli during the presentation at the Salle Garnier. “I would like to think that it reflects the soul of this prestigious theatre, as I see it: a careful look at history but turned towards the future, a variety of styles and genres, glamour, grandeur, but also proximity; and of course the highest standards in the quality of performance, guaranteed in particular by the presence of some of the greatest names in our profession.”

Bartoli said that it was important for her to create “continuity”, and to build on the foundations of success laid by her predecessor Jean-Louis Grinda, who was also part of the 2023 season presentation.

The director, a renowned opera singer herself, then presented the 2023 programme, a journey from Monteverdi to Giordano, from 1607 to the late 19th century.

“In many ways, the passage also reflects my personal voyage, and I am proud that many of the artists I have had the pleasure of working with over the years are joining and supporting me in this new adventure, a major step in my life.”

Cecilia Bartoli, Opera de Monte Carlo, photo credit: Fabrice Demessence

Cecilia Bartoli will kick of the season starring in Alcina for four shows from 20th January, a musical drama in three acts with music by George Frideric Handel.

This will be followed by a “concert of the heart” of Stabat Mater for one night only on 25th January, featuring tenor Celso Albelo and soprano Maria Agresta.

In February, the Opera Andrea Chénier will be performed over four nights, an historic drama with Jonas Kaufman performing the role of Chénier.

Daniel Barenboim will take to the stage for a piano concert on 10th March. Born in Buenos Aires, Barenboim is described as a true citizen of the world whose artistic ventures are as varied as his cultural influences.

The melodramatic opera La Traviata, a Jean-Louis Grinda production created in 2013, returns for four nights in March as “a symbol of harmonious handover of power and a sign of true understanding”, according to the opera. These performances will also be an opportunity to celebrate the return of Placido Domingo to a stage he last walked on as a singer in 1980.

On 20th March, the Vienna Philharmonic will give a unique performance of Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro, conducted by Phillip Jordan.

By April, the Il Barbiere di Siviglia opera will feature on the Monegasque stage, a production by the Festival of Salzbourg. On 20th February 1816, just as Carnival week was approaching its climax, Giachino Rossini’s Il Barberie di Siviglia had its (eventful) premiere at Teatro Argentina in Rome. Delighting in masks and disguise, parody and the grotesque, it is permeated through and through with the spirit of carnival.

Ending the season on 17th April is the marionette opera L’Orfeo, going back to the beginnings of the history of opera. Thanks to the 200-year-old puppet company Carlo Colla & Figli, L’Orfeo, created in 1607, will appear for the first time in Monte Carlo in a form that will appeal to the most demanding music lovers, as well as the youngest spectators.

Season subscription and individual ticket pre-booking is now open by internet at www.opera.mc and mail. Former subscribers have priority on 30th September.

From Wednesday 2nd November 2022, ticket bookings will be open by telephone, at the box office and on montecarloticket.mc.

Photo above credit: Marco Borrelli, OMC

 

 

 

Partnered Monaco-Dolceacqua team win Riviera Electric Challenge

by: Luke Entwistle
16/09/2022

Monaco’s deputy mayor, Jacques Pastor, and Dolceacqua mayor Fulvio Gazzola won the eighth edition of the Riviera Electric Challenge after an intense 48 hours of racing on the Riviera.

41 cars, 250km covered, 10 different brands and 48 hours of compelling racing. The Riviera Electric Challenge returned for its eighth edition this week, finishing with a prize-giving ceremony in the Place du Palais Princier in the presence of Prince Albert II.

This year’s ‘Prince’s Cup’ was won by Pastor and Gazzola, representing the Principality of Monaco, as well as the small Italian village of Dolceacqua, on board a KIA Niro EV.

Having begun in the driving rain in Cagnes-Sur-Mer on Wednesday, the teams headed towards the vast hills behind Nice in difficult meteorological conditions, before crossing the border into neighbouring Italy, and finishing the day’s racing in Dolceacqua. The teams then headed to Airole before re-entering France, and ultimately completing the challenge in the Principality of Monaco.

As well as becoming an increasingly competitive sporting event, the Riviera Electric Challenge, which began in 2015, also promotes the use of electric vehicles, and forms part of the wider ‘soft mobility’ campaign, a key part of the Principality’s agenda.

With 10 different brands of cars on display during this year’s edition, it is a clear sign of progress within the field of electric cars, with a more varied and technologically diverse set of vehicles on display.

Monaco earned a one-two with the Principality’s Energy Transition Mission team coming in second on board a Peugeot e-208. The racing series will return for its ninth edition in September 2023.

 

Photo by Riviera Electric Challenge

Canadian MMA icon to chair Sportel Awards in Monaco

by: luke@monacolife.net
14/09/2022

Georges St-Pierre, known as one of the best mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters worldwide, will chair the Sportel Awards jury at the Grimaldi Forum in October.

The two-time UFC champion, called “rush” in reference of his lighting speed, is a two-time UFC champion and will chair the Sportel jury between 22th and 24th October.

St-Pierre, born in Quebec, has an incredible record (26 wins out of 28 fights, including eight by knockout, six by submission and 12 by decision) and made his long-awaited comeback at Madison Square Garden in 2017, following a four-year absence. He has been voted Athlete of the Year and Fighter of the Year on several occasions.

The Canadian officially retired in 2019 after a glistening 17-year career and is now focusing on his other projects, most notably his acting career, including appearances in ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ and ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’.

He will chair the Sportel Awards Ceremony on 24th October, an event which rewards the best sports books and sports images of the year. “In addition to the missions that I have been assigned to, chairing the jury and selecting the most beautiful sports images, it is above all a great human adventure that promises to be exceptional. It is a unique opportunity to meet the greatest champions in their respective disciplines in one place, to share our common values and passion,” said St-Pierre.

The awards, created in 1990 and under the Honorary patronage of Prince Albert II, is an event that allows exceptional and unique encounters with champions during public events specially dedicated to them, such as signings, exclusive meetings, and screenings.

On St-Pierre’s attendance at the event, Laurent Puons, CEO of Monaco Mediax said, “Georges St-Pierre is a real MMA legend, an athlete whose incredible performances have been highlighted all throughout his career thanks to his determination, his humility and to his moral and physical strength.”

He added, “He is an athlete with unique human values. I am extremely happy and proud that he has agreed to chair the jury of experts who will be selecting the most beautiful sports images of the year.”

 

 

Photo source: Sportel

 

 

 

 

ASM preview: “I’m seeing solidarity, discipline and mental and physical strenght”

by: Luke Entwistle
14/09/2022

AS Monaco manager Philippe Clement has told a pre-match press conference that he is under no illusions as to the threat posed by Ferencváros, although he is counting on his side’s “mental and physical strength” to extend their winning run.

Clement spoke to the media on Wednesday ahead of Thursday’s Europa League tie at the Stade Louis II, the first to take place in the Principality of this current European campaign. His side are teeming with confidence, for many reasons, but largely because of their three-game winning run, which included victories against local rivals Nice, as well as European hopefuls Lyon.

Before the fixture at the Allianz Riviera, the first win in their current run, defender Caio Henrique told Monaco Life that a win against their local rivals could “launch their season.” And so it has proved, with the Brazilian left-back a key component of their recent success.

“His start to the season has been of a very good level,” began Clement. “He has progressed even further compared to last season. He is feeling good within the dressing room and his playing style perfectly suits a three-man defense. As a result of that, he can show his offensive qualities more.”

Collectively, Monaco are high on confidence, but the recent performances of some key players is also helping to boost confidence on a personal level. Axel Disasi and Youssouf Fofana, both of whom have been undroppable since the beginning of the season, earned a place in Didier Deschamps’ provisional France squad.

“I am very happy for them because they’ve both had very good starts to the season. I think it’s very good to have experiences like that. Last season when Aurélien [Tchouaméni] came back from international duty for example, he did so with more confidence and experience. I am very happy when my players are picked for their international teams. It allows them to play at a good level, whilst accruing experience,” Clement told Monaco Life. 

As well as confidence, there is a level of physical preparedness within the squad that makes Monaco a formidable opponent. Last year, the club boasted the most impressive physical statistics of any French club and ranked third on a European level. This year, the club have continued on the same path, and the results are being felt by the players themselves.

“[Aleksandr] Golovin told me this morning that he felt as if he had never recovered quicker from a match in his career. You see then why they worked so much during pre-season,” said Clement.

In that context, Monaco may find themselves with a tough challenger during Thursday’s tie against Hungarian champions Ferencváros. Due to their dominance in the domestic division, they can afford to make wholesale changes, and only two of the players that started their Europa League tie last Thursday started during their domestic fixture at the weekend.

“This will be a tough match against a side that will undoubtedly be fresher than us,” said Clement. However, the Belgian coach also sees the strengths within his side to allow them to secure that fourth consecutive victory in all competitions.

“I am seeing solidarity, discipline, and a mental and physical strength, even when we weren’t winning at the beginning of the season. There are also more and more automatism, which is normal with a new system and new players to integrate into the squad,” said Clement.

Monaco attacker Krépin Diatta also praised the atmosphere within the group ahead of the clash, telling Monaco Life, “The competition within the squad is very healthy. When someone doesn’t play, they don’t complain. So long as the spirit within the group is like that, we will get results.”

Although without the defensive anchor of Guillermo Maripán and Kevin Volland for the fixture, Monaco will be hoping to validate Diatta’s comments and continue their run of positive results. A victory would not only be their fourth in quick succession, but it would also consolidate the strong start to their Europa League campaign and potentially allow them to clinch top spot in the group.

 

Photo of Philippe Clement and Krépin Diatta by Monaco Life