Former star forge
It is similar with AS Monaco. The club made players like Falcao, James Rodriguez, Bernardo Silva or Kylian Mbappé once a world star and was one of the best salespeople in European football. But such glorious names can no longer be read in the eight-time French champion (most recently in 2017).
The AS has only recovered from a sporting crisis in recent years, in the 2018/19 season there was even a threat of relegation to the second class, a year later in the canceled Corona season only ranked ninth.
Kovac makes the turnaround first and then has to go
Then, in addition to Volland, there was also Niko Kovac, who led the Monegasque back to the top as a coach. In his first season he finished third, in the current season he established the club in the top group again after a weak start to the season – but then suddenly it was over for Kovac.
On New Year’s Day, AS Monaco announced the separation from the 50-year-old. There is speculation about the reasons, but not yet official. One version is that Kovac messed up with the players with a tone to be determined. Another is that he did not realize the potential of the players. A third party that he fell out with those responsible.
Former Leipzig worker as a puller
One of the bosses is Paul Mitchell. The former head scout of RB Leipzig wants to build something in Monaco with professionals from his own youth or committed youngsters. “The nucleus or heartbeat of this project will always be young players“said Mitchell.
20 players played in at least ten competitive games this season, only six of them are older than 25 years. With an average age of 24.4 years, the Monegasque squad is one of the youngest in the Ligue 1. Players like Volland, Wissam Ben Yedder and Cesc Fabregas (currently injured) give the team the necessary experience.
Clement should play offensively
Philippe Clement (until the end with Club Bruges) is now the man who should drive the young and wild ones back to top performances as Kovac’s successors. He will play in the league game in Nantes make his debut in the AS coaching bench.
“His profile as a modern coach, who lets his teams play with great intensity and courage even on a continental level, and his ability to combine titles with the development of young players have made him one of the most sought-after coaches in Europe in recent years“said Mitchell.
Rumors about Christian Eriksen
Apparently, however, it may be that the 40-year-old will soon sign a very experienced man again – and that’s Monaco-like a player with a great history. According to information from the English “The Telegraph“Monaco should be interested in Christian Eriksen.
The Danish international had just emphasized in his first interview after his cardiac arrest at the European Championships last summer that he was fit, continued his career and wanted to play for Denmark again at the World Cup in Qatar this winter. However, Eriksen cannot expect peace and quiet in the constant trouble spot in the principality.