Le Rocher is one of the strongholds of French football. Eight French championship titles, five French Cups, a League Cup, two European finals (C1 and C2), ASM’s record is one of the finest in Ligue 1; only Saint-Etienne, Marseille and Paris SG do better.
But these hours of glory are beginning to date. Certainly, there was the title of champion in 2017, with a brilliant team led by Jardim and the revelation Mbappé. An exception after a long period of shortage which does not seem to be over. AS Monaco has become an unstable club, where coaches pass one after another, with little change in the results.
A new trainer
That’s why Niko Kovac has just been replaced by Philippe Clément. The Belgian coach made his big debut on the bench in Nantes last weekend and he will lead his first home game this Sunday. The balance sheet was however not so bad -7th with 30 points, 6 points from the podium- but it is insufficient for a club of the standing of Monaco.
Even if Clermont Foot does not have the same prestige or the same history, this meeting is not for all that new. The two teams met in Ligue 2, when the ASM had descended, between 2011 and 2013. The first season had been favorable to the Clermontois with a 1-0 win at Montpied and a draw at Monaco. In contrast, the Monegasques had won both meetings the following season, with in particular a severe 4 – 0 to Louis II. The two teams have also faced each other in the Coupe de France, it was in 2005, a quarter-final won by ASM 1 to 0.
This Sunday, it is therefore in Ligue 1 that the two clubs meet. The Monegasques had been superior in the first leg by winning 3 – 1. Their technique and their power allowed them to win despite a quick opener from Mohammed Bayo. The offensive talent of this team had made the difference even if the Clermontois had competed. They were still in Ligue 1 discovery at the time; Pascal Gastien hopes that this stage has passed and that his players have acquired better individual and collective control.
The return of Huntondji
This is what we saw in Angers: a united and efficient Clermont team. It will be necessary to deliver a match of the same order to hope for a good result this Sunday. Despite once again the absentees: Bayo, Allevinah and Khaoui who are playing in the African Cup of Nations (Monaco has no player at the CAN), Johan Gastien, suspended after three yellow cards received in 10 matches, or Jean-Claude Billong, still not recovered.
Corn the Clermont Foot infirmary is gradually emptying. Good news symbolized by the return to the group of Cédric Hountondji. The central defender will probably start despite a lack of rhythm, as was the case last week for Florent Ogier and Jason Berthommier. Pascal Gastien would like to be able to spare his players, rotate his squad, especially at the start of a three-game week, but he can’t really afford this luxury. Another important return is that of Salis Abdul Samed.
This meeting between Monaco and Clermont Foot can be seen live on France Bleu Pays d’Auvergne. Meet at 2:45 p.m.