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Barclays marks centenary year

by: Cassandra Tanti
11/01/2022

Barclays Private Bank is this year celebrating its 100th anniversary of opening in Monaco and will mark the milestone by showcasing some of its precious mementos.

Barclays Private Bank was established in Monaco in 1922 and was the first foreign private bank to open its doors in Monaco’s Golden Square.

“Barclays was the first international bank to arrive in Monaco in 1922 and, 100 years on, we are proud to continue to bring our British heritage to the Principality, which remains one of the leading financial centres in the world thanks to its high quality infrastructure and economic stability,” said Jean-Christophe Gerard, Head of Wealth and Private Banking at Barclays. “We look forward to celebrating Barclays’ centenary in the Principality and are honoured to be part of the rich history and future of Monaco, as we continue to service the sophisticated needs of our clients by providing them with highly bespoke business and investment opportunities.”

From January, a selection of memorabilia from Barclays over the years will be on display at the Barclays Monaco office, including a gold signet ring dating from 1570, which was designed by Thomas Gresham, banker to Queen Elizabeth I and founder of Martin’s Bank which was later sold to Barclays in 1969. Also on display is a letter from the court of Queen Elizabeth I authorising Thomas Gresham to pay her debts in Antwerp, a ledger from Oxford Old Bank – which later became part of Barclays in 1900 – showing the account of Oscar Wilde, and the UK´s first credit card.

Throughout 2022, Barclays will be marking its centenary year in Monaco with events that celebrate its history and future in Monaco. Among them will be Monaco Ocean Week, which Barclays Private Bank will be supporting for the second year through its partnership with the Prince Albert of Monaco Foundation to safeguard ocean bio-diversity and help maintain a stable climate.

 

Roca team get 2022 off to a winning start

by: Luke Entwistle
11/01/2022

AS Monaco Basketball strolled to a comfortable 79-67 home victory against Le Portel on Sunday, as Sasa Obradovic’s men took full advantage of their extended break.

The postponement of Friday’s fixture against Lyon-Villeurbanne has clearly benefited the side, providing a gap in the packed basketball schedule. Obradovic, having replaced Zvezdan Mitrovic mid-season, has had little time to instil his ideas in his side. Obradovic was clearly grateful for this post-match, stating that, “We have had more time to train these past days. It is important to make the players understand what I expect of them in terms of their roles and the system.”

Against the bottom side in the Betclic Elite, Monaco started poorly as they struggled to cut through Le Portel’s stubborn defence. Monaco gradually worked their way back into the game in the first-quarter, largely thanks to the efforts of Leo Westermann and Ibrahima Fall Faye, the latter’s 11 points enough to make him Monaco’s top scorer in the fixture.

Ending the first-quarter with a slender lead, Monaco blew Le Portel away in the second with a monstrous offensive effort yielding 31 points, including an impressive 14 point streak that went unreplied. Paris Lee chipped in with a three-pointer, whilst Donatas Motiejūnas was prolific within the key.

The half-time buzzer brought to an end a dominant half from the Roca team, leaving them with the not so daunting task of managing their almost unassailable 19 point lead in the second-half.

Monaco comfortably navigated the third-quarter, managing to marginally extend their advantage, before losing their control on the game in the final quarter. It was not enough for Le Portel, who remain bottom of the table following the loss, whilst Monaco stay in second.

Although Obradovic was disappointed with the way that his side finished, he was nevertheless happy with a comfortable win in their first fixture of 2022. “There are lots of good things to hold on to. I am happy with our defence and the way in which we converted on the counter attack,” the Serb said. “It would have been better if we had kept up the intense rhythm until the end.”

Tuesday night fixture against Unics has been postponed due to Covid cases within the Russian side’s squad. Obradovic therefore has yet more time to work with his players in preparation for Thursday’s trip to Bayern Munich.

 

 

Photo source: AS Monaco Basketball 

 

 

 

Café de Paris to move house across Casino Square

by: Stephanie Horsman
10/01/2022

The legendary Café de Paris will be taking up temporary residence in the glamorous Salle Empire at the Hotel de Paris during an extensive one-year renovation of the original Monte-Carlo site.

The Café de Paris, which has been a staple of the Monaco landscape since 1868 under different guises, is about to undergo a major facelift and will be closed from March 2022 to April 2023.

But in order to keep the iconic institution up and running during this period, the owners of the café – Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) – have come up with a temporary solution to ensure the fabled brasserie carries on, though in a different setting.

According to a report in Monaco Matin, the Café de Paris is decamping across the square to the stunning Belle Epoque-styled Salle Empire at the Hôtel de Paris. The location was chosen for its beautiful terrace and views onto the Place du Casino, an inspired idea that will soothe fans of the Café de Paris and allow service to continue uninterrupted. Even the furniture will be moved to Salle Empire, as will all of the staff, says SBM.

The terrace of the Salle Empire at the Hôtel de Paris, source SBM

The Café de Paris started its history as the Café Divan in 1868 and was primarily for the use of hotel guests. After just a year, the restaurant’s success saw an expansion and a new name, the Grand Café de Monte-Carlo.

In 1882 and 1890, the site was renovated, but was soon changed again when, seven years later, it was demolished to make way for the Café de Paris that we know today.

Stefano Brancato, photo by Monaco Life

Whilst huge efforts are being made to ensure everything stays the same, one change will no doubt be felt. The long-time Director of the Café de Paris, Stefano Brancato, retired on 9th January after more than three decades at the helm.  

Giving equal and always friendly service to celebrities, the Princely family and regular customers alike, Brancato decided it was time, at age 63, to start a new chapter of his life, though he intends to remain active.

SEE ALSO:

Interview: Stefano Brancato, the legend of Casino Square

 

Top photo source: SBM

 

 

 

ASM Women make history

by: Luke Entwistle
10/01/2022

AS Monaco Women sealed their place in the next round of the Coupe de France, keeping alive their hopes of cup glory. Their already historic run now sees them advance to the round of 16.

Stunning late goals from Laura Domecq and Eva Towara sealed a 3-1 victory against Colomiers at a sunbaked Prince Hereditaire Jacques stadium on Sunday. In the draw for the next round, ASM Women, alongside Grand Calais, will be the joint lowest-ranked sides left in the competition.

ASM Women set the tone for the match early-on, dominating possession and territory. Two early chances fell to Domecq, but having found herself one-on-one on two occasions, she couldn’t convert either chance.

It was Colomiers in a rare foray in the Monaco half who opened the scoring. American defender Maddie Watson brought down a Colomiers player in the box, and Manon Rouzies converted the resulting penalty.

Colomiers began to sit deeper and deeper, happy to allow Monaco possession on the edge of their half, but the pressure eventually told. Domecq restored parity midway through the second-half and from that point the barrage on the Colomiers goal was unrelenting.

It wasn’t until late on that ASM Women made their dominance count. Towara’s sweetly struck strike nestled in the bottom left corner to send the 300 home supporters into raptures. The victory was sealed just moments later, Domecq doubling-up with a sumptuous long-range strike that was out of the reach of the Colomiers keeper and nestled in the top-left corner.

Queue wild celebrations in the home dressing room. Having already made history by making it into the round of 32 of the Coupe de France for the first time, Domecq told Monaco Life that she is already thinking about the next round. “We are going to have to raise our game, because it won’t be the same kind of match.”

Watson told Monaco Life that she hopes the team can go all the way in the competition. “We want to go as far as possible, let’s win it if we can!” On her preference for the opponent in the next round, she said, “They’re all going to be good at this point so there’s no preference. We just want to win and play our game, and it doesn’t matter who we play.”

ASM Women supporters will be waiting with anticipation to find out the team’s next opponent, with the fixture to be played on Sunday 30th January.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CYjLxzKFZx3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

 

Photo by Luke Entwistle for Monaco Life

 

 

 

Vanderson: “I want to bring joy to our supporters”

by: Luke Entwistle
09/01/2022

AS Monaco celebrated the start of 2022 with the signing of Brazilian right-back Vanderson on New Year’s Day and on Friday he spoke to the media for the first time.

The new signing began with Vanderson thanking Oleg Petrov and Paul Mitchell for bringing him to the Principality, before he explained his reasons for choosing the side. “Monaco is a big European club, an important club. I want to involve myself in this club, and bring as much joy as possible to our supporters.”

Vanderson will wear the Number 2 shirt previously worn by fellow Brazilian and club legend Fabinho, and the new signing admitted that he had been inspired by his compatriot. “Fabinho, in his game, is a source of inspiration because he had a big impact. He had success and progressed at Monaco.”

Sporting Director Paul Mitchell, who was also in attendance on Friday, believes that Vanderson is a great asset in the medium and long-term. However, he also believes that Vanderson will have an immediate impact at the club, stating that “We need to give him a little bit of time to settle in and integrate, but I think he can have an impact this year for sure.”

Vanderson arrives off the back of an impressive breakthrough season in the Brazilian Serie A. Despite the relegation of his former side Gremio, the Brazilian shone through, registering three goals from right-back, and exciting fans with his dynamic, direct style.

His arrival endangers the future of Djibril Sidibe, and Mitchell told Monaco Life that the Frenchman’s potential departure was factored-in when weighing up the move for Vanderson. “We know that Djibril has a clear contractual situation,” the Englishman said. “We always have to be prepared and to plan for the future.”

The strength in depth in the right-back position should allow Vanderson time to settle-in and adapt to the French league, a process that is being aided by fellow Brazilian’s Caio Henrique and Jean Lucas. “They (Henrique and Lucas) have been a big help since my arrival, for my adaptation and on a daily basis with the group.”

The context of his arrival, coupled with his undoubted talent will allow the Brazilian time to assimilate without a burgeoning pressure to immediately produce match-winning performances for Monaco. Although fans will undoubtedly be treated to glimpses of his capabilities between now and the end of the season, expectations should nevertheless be tempered in the short-term. The hope around the club is that this developing young talent will help propel Monaco to longer-term success.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CYd7j9ulgyh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

 

Photo by Luke Entwistle for Monaco Life

 

 

Philippe Clement: “I am someone who wants to win everything”

by: Luke Entwistle
05/01/2022

New AS Monaco coach Philippe Clement was flanked by Vice President Oleg Petrov and Sporting Director Paul Mitchell at a press conference on Wednesday as a new chapter in the club’s distinguished history got under way.

Wednesday’s press conference in a packed auditorium at Monaco’s world-class training facilities in La Turbie began with a statement from Petrov, in which he explained the decision to sack Niko Kovac. “At the mid-season break, we did a full analysis of everything that has happened, and that led us to this decision to make the change. It wasn’t an easy decision.” Petrov did, however, thank Kovac for his work. “I want to thank Niko and his technical team massively for everything that they have done. They have put in place the first phase of this sporting project.”

Mitchell sees Clement as the perfect successor to Kovac, as the project put in motion following his arrival in 2020 takes its next step. “2022 brings a new phase to our strategy here at AS Monaco,” the Englishman told the assembled press. He added, “Being a serial, three-time winner at Club Brugge and Genk, we felt he was the right profile at the right time to take this club a step forward in its ambitious project.”

In his first appearance before the press, Clement expressed his delight at having taken up the role: “I am so happy to be here in such an ambitious project. It is an honour to be in one of the top five divisions in the world, and I hope I can replicate what I did in Belgium.”

Asked by Monaco Life about his objectives for the rest of the season, the Belgian chuckled and looked at both the Vice President and the Sporting Director before saying, “Objectives? It’s always dangerous with people like this.” Without wanting to commit to a particular league standing, he continued, “I am someone who wants to win everything. That is always my objective. You have to do everything, every day to be as strong as possible. Creating a core group of winners – that is the most important thing.”

Mitchell also responded to Monaco Life, expressing his confidence in Clement’s ability to extract the club’s enormous potential. “I think the decision that we have come to is that we feel that there is more potential to be had at this moment with these great facilities, with a great team of staff that we have around the team, our constant support from our shareholder and the Principality, and now with a forward-thinking coach like Philippe – a winner, but also a manager with a great history of developing talent.”

The club hierarchy gave off an undeniably defiant, confident tone throughout the conference, as they entrust the next stage of their daring sporting project to Clement, who is champing at the bit to get started and write his own chapter in Monaco.