Monaco had a disappointing season
After season 2003/2004, when Monaco were shock finalists of the Champions league, the club didn’t have much success domestically or in Europe. The trend continued last season when the club struggled to find its form despite solid squad at their disposal. They eventually finished 12th and managed to reach the quarterfinals of League Cup. League campaign was particularly disappointing thanks to awful home form, where Monaco took only 26 out of possible 57 points, and also received a big slap from Bordeaux, in 6:0 defeat. For the club that won seven league titles in history, last season was certainly not good enough. Because of the lack of substantial financial resources the club decided to sell some of the players and focus on players from their own youth system.
The club believes in youngsters
Due to not so good financial situation the club was forced to sell some of the key players. Sylvain Monsoreau, Frederic Piquionne and Jeremy Berthod all left the club, which created a lot of space to fill. Alejandro Alonso, who came from Bordeaux, is only one of the more experienced players to arrive. Jean-Jacques Gosso arrived from Israel, while Nimani and Pino returned from loan, and they are both expected to be in the starting line up. Freddy Adu joined the club on loan, while Dario Šimic came from Milan. The club has decided to give the younger players chance to shine, but also there are some more experienced players, especially in midfield, such as Bernardi, Leko, Meriem and Menez. These players are expected to help the younger players adapt to the team as quickly and possible and together improve from the last season.
In
Freddy Adu (on loan from Benfica)
Alejandro Alonso (Bordeaux)
Dario Šimic (AC Milan)
Jean-Jacques Gosso (Ashdod)
Elia Legati (on loan from AC Milan)
Frederic Nimani (returned from loan at Sedan)
Alexandre Licata (returned from loan at Bastia)
Juan Pablo Pino (returned from loan at Charleroi)
Thomas Mangani (returned from loan at Ajaccio)
Out
Sylvain Monsoreau (Saint-Etienne)
Frederic Piquionne (Lyon)
Sambou (on loan at Le Havre)
Bolivar (on loan at International Porto Alegre)
Jeremy Berthod (Auxerre)
Vargas (on loan at Atlas)
Sergio Almiron (returned to Juventus)
Fabio Santos (returned to Cruzeiro)
Arnaud Lescure (Rodez)
Vallaurio (Croix-de-Savoie)
Ramael (on loan at Tubize)
They need to improve from last season
The team hopes to play better than last term when they finished 12th, despite the fact that three key players left the club. Berthod, Piquionne and Monsoreau were important players but now some younger players will be given the chance to replace them. Dario Šimic was added to Modesto in defense, while Alejandro Alonso and Jean-Jacques Gosso will join Bernardi, Meriem, Leko and some young stars in midfield. Except for Meney who is expected to create chances as wall as score goals, all other attacking players are very young. But Adu, Bakar, Gakpe and Nimani all have a lot of potential, and Monaco will have exciting attack this season. If new players adapt quickly enough, and young ones showed a bit of their potential, the team will have a very good season. We feel that the squad is strong enough to achieve top table finish.
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