Analysis: AS Monaco’s frustrating run home
Following their frustrating defeat to Rennes at the weekend, AS Monaco have disappointingly dropped from fourth to sixth in the Ligue 1 standings, with Bruno Genesio’s side and Lille leapfrogging Les Monegasques.
As a consequence of this loss, a coveted European qualification spot is now in serious doubt, with ASM needing to win against Toulouse in their final match of the season and hope results go in their favour.
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“I’m not angry, because I’ve seen players who have given everything to take points here. But I also saw players who are not at the top of their confidence, it was quite obvious in certain situations. We will now have to work hard during this last week to bring back the three points against Toulouse and look at the results of the other matches,” explained Philippe Clement after the Rennes loss.
“It’s a tough result, after having had better times this season. I remember we were fighting for second place not long ago. But the level of the team has definitely dropped.”
Considering they were recently fighting for a podium spot and right in the hunt for Champions League qualification up until a few weeks ago when they suffered that heavy defeat to Lens, this certainly hasn’t been how they planned to close their campaign.
Having only taken four points from the last 18 available, this serves as a further testament to their toils.
Enduring an inconsistent run home, that’s seen them only manage to win four of their last 13 league fixtures, plus concede 23 and only score 17 in the same period, there’s no doubting this unsatisfactory spell has massively hindered their European push.
Moreover, their inability to keep clean sheets despite some heroics from Alexander Nubel between the posts has also cost them dearly, for they’ve only recorded four shutouts in their previous 23 matches.
Playing at a level way below their best and only displaying glimpses of their capabilities, in a series where individual performances have been the highlights, not the collective effort, Clement will be desperate to rouse his troops for a strong finale even through their destiny is out of their hands.
“It’s a fact (it’s out of our control), but it’s up to us to work hard to win this last meeting at the Stade Louis II. I saw all week but also during the game tonight that the players wanted to do everything to win, even those who entered during the game. Our destiny is clear for this final week: to give all our energy for the supporters of the club and all the people who love AS Monaco,” he asserted.
While their aim was obviously a top three finish and a Champions League place, which was a distinct possibility until this unfortunate recent slide in form, all they can do is claim victory on the weekend and look for other outcomes to go their way.
A shadow of themselves in the last handful of months, Krepin Diatta offered an honest assessment of the predicament, stating: “Yes, I think the problem is mental. Currently, all the players are tired. But you have to have the will to give everything.
“We have to get the job done next Saturday. Otherwise, it will be a disaster. After everything we’ve done for five months, it’s not normal to let ourselves fall away over the last six matches.”
He then added he feels “disappointment and shame ” about the situation and that he completely understands why the fans are angry and disgruntled.
Desperate to end their term on a high in front of the home fans and needing to cross their fingers they can snatch a European berth ahead of what’s expected to be a summer of change, this is the best they can hope for to round out a season that’s been littered with highs and lows.