PARIS — Just a few months back, Monaco was experiencing a high point in the French league while displaying strong performances in the Champions League. However, things have taken a downturn for coach Adi Hütter and his team.
The turning point came following a dominant 5-1 victory over Red Star Belgrade in late October, which extended their unbeaten streak to 11 matches, including a notable win against Barcelona. Coach Hütter was praised for the exciting and daring style his team showcased. Yet, the situation has dramatically shifted since then.
Currently, Monaco finds itself trailing far behind in the Ligue 1 title chase, with Benfica leading in their Champions League playoff ahead of next week’s crucial second leg. Furthermore, with an early exit from the French Cup, the chances for silverware appear bleak, leading to heightened scrutiny as they prepare to face Nantes at home this coming Saturday.
While Paris Saint-Germain holds a commanding lead at the top of Ligue 1, distancing itself by 16 points from Monaco, the Principality club must now keep a close watch on the teams behind them. Lille is just two points behind in fifth place, while Lyon trails four points behind in sixth.
Monaco started the season strongly, bolstered by a robust defense that allowed just four goals in their first eight matches. However, they have recently struggled defensively, conceding goals with worrying frequency. Out of their last ten matches, they have suffered six defeats, even falling to the last-placed Montpellier. Over the past 12 games, Monaco has managed just one clean sheet while letting in 23 goals, with 12 coming in the last five fixtures alone.
Both goalkeepers have faced criticism, with Radoslaw Majecki stepping in for Philipp Köhn and struggling to find his form. The team no longer resembles the credible title challenger it appeared to be at the beginning of the season.
In contrast, Lyon is on the rise as it seeks to secure a European qualification spot for next season and will kick off its campaign on Sunday against Montpellier. Since taking the helm, coach Paulo Fonseca has promised a more offensive approach, which has already brought results — Lyon scored six goals in his first two matches, highlighted by a dominant 4-0 win against Reims where four different players found the net.
Corentin Tolisso, a former France international who won the 2018 World Cup, has regained his form, scoring in both of Fonseca’s early games. Rayan Cherki was instrumental in the victory against Reims, contributing to all four goals. “When you have Cherki at this level, it’s difficult for us to lose,” Tolisso noted. However, Cherki’s inconsistency over the years means that maintaining high performance will be key to Lyon’s European ambitions.
Fonseca also needs to help captain Alexandre Lacazette regain his scoring form. After two highly productive seasons where he netted 46 goals in 64 appearances, the former Arsenal striker has only managed six league goals this season. Nevertheless, he could find opportunities against Montpellier, who have the league’s worst defense, having allowed a staggering 48 goals.
Meanwhile, Ousmane Dembélé is enjoying an exceptionally productive phase in his career as he aims to score in his 11th consecutive match ahead of Saturday’s match against Toulouse. The French forward leads Ligue 1’s scoring charts with 16 goals, putting him three ahead of Marseille’s Mason Greenwood. Marseille will host Saint-Etienne on Sunday, but due to safety concerns regarding potential clashes between rival fan groups, no visiting supporters will be allowed at the match.
