AS Monaco thread [R]

[SuperSebGrimaldi]

Despite the game ending as a 9 on 10 (Valenciennes had 2 guys sent off in the final 5 minutes, Ménez was sent off around mi-temps), the game had its moments. We did play a lot better in the second half despite being reduced to 10, though overall, not a good performance at all. Ménez, though one of the best players we have, has to do more than a bit of work when it comes to maturity.

Roma was solid, and was especially aware when we were reduced to 10.
Adriano I thought had quite a decent debut, he already appears to be the best out of the defenders.
Bolívar was beaten on the goal, definitely not a terrific match for him.
Monsoreau did about the same as Bolívar, wasn't outstanding.
Muratori was outplayed by Mater, who deserved Man of the Match I thought as he sped by Muratori quite often.
Pérez didn't do anything.
Bernardi was the same as Pérez, Saez and Sánchez, VAFC's central midfielders, were better than ours on this day.
Ménez got himself sent off idiotically.
Nenê had a couple of moments, though he did not help out defensively (that hurt on the goal).
Piquionne tried though didn't succeed.
Koller had no service and thus did nothing.

If Ricardo is reading this, I hope he realizes that we did a lot better when both Gakpé and Pino were on.

[SuperSebGrimaldi]

Sorry everybody, I've been out all week, but I did get to view some highlights from that nice comeback of ours against Nantes in the Coupe de la Ligue, though really, who cares about that competition? A very good win though in terms of morale I'd think, considering we'd lost 3 straight and had to battle back from 2 goals down. Hopefully, if my schedule gets any better, I will be able to post more about it, though at the moment, I'm overloaded with work. Anyway, all the goals from the match are available on the ASM official website (www.asm-fc.com) as well as other sites, and they're quite nice. Especially that nice winner. ;)

[SportBoy333]

I care about the Coup de la ligue. If they dont finish high enough in the standings they can use it to get into Europe. Winning a trophy is always nice.

[SuperSebGrimaldi]

Well after winning the Coupe de la Ligue in 2003, we did do something quite awesome the year after. :)

I have to admit, though, it felt good to beat Nantes, as even though they are in L2 now, I've been hearing the match felt more like a L1 match.

In any case, the one thing we definitely have to work on is to not always get dominated in the beginning of matches, since the better teams (or even Valenciennes) will punish us heavily.

[guignol]

i saw the match on TV... it was played in angers and the decor was right out of FIFA street...

http://www.gamerstek.com/images/photoalbum2/4401.jpg

[SportBoy333]

next match in the Coup de la ligue will be vs. RC Lens.

[SuperSebGrimaldi]

Hmmm, it won't always be easy against Lens, but who are their full-backs again? Ramos and Laurenti? I have to admit then I like Ménez, Gakpé and Pino dribbling around them.

[SuperSebGrimaldi]

Well, Domenech will unveil his idea of a good French team tomorrow, and concurrently, the U-21 sélectionneur M. René Girard will reveal his U-21 team. I am definitely expecting both Jérémy Ménez and Serge Gakpé to be included. If they're not, it's a travesty.

Of course, I wouldn't complain if Domenech picks one into the senior team instead. :)

[SportBoy333]

I dont think those 2 will be on the senior team. Too bad they dont have any legit French internationals now but I dont think PSG does either.

[SuperSebGrimaldi]

Ménez will make it to the Euro if he's able to play as he did against Le Mans and avoid those mental mistakes. If Gakpé has another breakout year, he could make it too, though hey, I'm happy both of them are starters at the U-21 level.

Their games are quite enjoyable to watch as well.

[SportBoy333]

This is slightly off topic to an extent but I can't believe Jan Koller hasnt retired from international football yet. He's 34 and had a major injury less than 2 years ago. I'm surprised Monaco havent encouraged him to retire from international duty.
Also speaking of the Czech Republic, I dont think I saw you comment when Plasil left. You have any thoughts or memories of him ? How is he doing in Spain ?

[SuperSebGrimaldi]

It's not off-topic at all, I think. Koller is going to retire after this season though (as in he's retiring from everything), so I don't think it's that odd. It is odd, though, that I'm more encouraged when he's in the lineup instead of Piquionne. Though now that we have Pino and Nenê, I don't know if either should really start.

[SportBoy333]

Plasil, I always seem to remember him on the ground writhing in pain a lot every time I saw him play. He seemed fragile. I'm not sure why he left.

[SuperSebGrimaldi]

Also speaking of the Czech Republic, I dont think I saw you comment when Plasil left. You have any thoughts or memories of him ? How is he doing in Spain ?

Meh. I was more upset about Touré's departure (who is out with an injury right now though he's been doing well before that). Plasil didn't impress me that much during his days here at Monaco. I think the idea was to have him replace Rothen, and well, he really hasn't done that.

Oh, and I haven't heard anything from him in Spain.

I'm actually happy he's gone, though what is your opinion? I know that you were upset about Givet leaving, and yes, we didn't exactly have a very good recruitment heading into this season.

[SportBoy333]

I wasnt sure how much playing time he was getting in Spain so I thought you might know.

As for Givet, I think its very hard for a team like Monaco to inspire firece loyalty from any player because its considered a "plastic" or "artifical" club by so many. If Givet or any other player would rather play in a packed stadium every night filled with rowdy supporters, well I cant say I blame him/them. I understand the reality of the situation. If Givet wont even stick it out then why would anyone else ?

On the plus side, Monaco's attendance/support/interest is higher now than its even been even when they were better back then in the old days but you could say that about France soccer as a whole.

[SuperSebGrimaldi]

Yes, I've heard that season ticket sales are at a record.

Then again, I'm realizing that Givet isn't an up-and-comer anymore, so his departure makes sense on that level, and hopefully when he gets to the senior team, the aforementioned Schwechlen will more than make up for him.

I'm typically not one to get caught up into all the hype, but many objective people believe that Schwechlen will be better than Squillaci. :)

[SportBoy333]

Yeah sorry I know nothing about Schwechlen so I cant comment on him. Being in the US its hard to get information on the senior team let alone the youth players. Not being able to speak French doesnt help me either. I do miss Squillacci.

[SuperSebGrimaldi]

It's alright, it could be a while before he gets called into the senior team, though hopefully it's soon. Though I think you do a very good job attempting to translate articles using those online translations from Google or elsewhere, so in case you're interested, I recommend that you check out asmforum.fr and their <<centre de formation>> sub-forum as there's always good stuff about guys like Schwechlen there.

Of course, he's not the only guy we have coming up through the system, though he's certainly one of the best and definitely the best defender. He's also on the French U-19 team.

[SportBoy333]

Yeah I have checked out ASMforum quite a few times. There were 2 or 3 other Monaco forums I remember seeing as well. Of course it would be much easier to support an English or American(MLS) team like everyone else here does, but nope, sorry I can not do that. I prefer the French footy.

[SuperSebGrimaldi]

I tend to go there for transfer stuff as well. Hopefully in the winter we'll be able to bring in some quality, mainly in defense and in midfield, as our strengths right now are on the wings with Ménez, Gakpé, Pino, Nenê, etc.