Key Takeaways
- AS Monaco have not won in their last three league matches after a strong nine-game winning run earlier this season.
- Interim manager Sébastien Pocognoli says the team must recover their unity and co-operation to secure a European place.
- The Monegasque side face FC Metz, Lille OSC, and RC Strasbourg Alsace in their final three fixtures.
AS Monaco travel to FC Metz this Saturday hoping to end a poor run of results. The French side have failed to win any of their last three league matches. This drop in form is a sharp contrast to their nine-match winning streak earlier this year.
The team now sits seventh in Ligue 1. They are six points behind Lille OSC, who currently hold the final UEFA Champions League qualification position. With only three games left, time is running out for the Principality club.
Interim manager Sébastien Pocognoli knows the situation is difficult. “We are not in control of our destiny for the Champions League,” the Belgian coach told reporters. However, he remains hopeful about qualifying for European competition. “There are other European places available. We must rely on ourselves. It is important for everyone at the club to play in Europe next season. We will fight until the end.”
Pocognoli believes unity is the key to turning things around. “We must find our teamwork and co-operation again for the full 90 minutes,” he explained. He said their best performances came when players supported each other completely. “When we play as one unit, we are very strong. In the past, if someone made a small mistake, a teammate fixed it immediately. Now we see less of this. Our balance disappears during matches.”
The coach also spoke about the need for better leadership on the pitch. “We must stay calm and neutral when things get difficult. We managed this well in previous weeks, but not recently. We will return to these basics.”
Monaco face Metz away on Saturday, then play Lille OSC at the Stade Louis II, before finishing the season with a trip to RC Strasbourg Alsace.