Monaco Aims for Win Against Angers Amid Manager Change

ANGERS, France — Monaco travels to face Angers on Saturday in round eight of Ligue 1, hoping their new manager can spark a turnaround. Newly appointed coach, who took over on October 12, is keen to achieve a winning start after a string of disappointing results.

Monaco’s previous manager, Hutter, was dismissed following a drawn match against Nice, which extended the team’s winless streak to three games. Their last win was a 4-2 victory against Paris FC, but they also faced a 3-1 loss to Lorient and a draw with Manchester City in the Champions League during this period.

With a total of 16 goals allowed in just eight fixtures this season and no clean sheets, Pocognoli has emphasized the need to restore the defensive strengths seen during his time at Union St. Gilloise. Currently, Monaco sits fifth in Ligue 1 with 13 points from seven matches, having scored the most goals in the league.

Angers has struggled this season, currently ranking 17th with just 5 points from seven games. They have not scored in their last three matches and have the fewest goals in the league. Following their season-opening win against Paris FC, they have been winless through six games, suffering losses including a heavy 5-0 defeat to Strasbourg.

The historical record favors Monaco, who have won 29 of the 56 Ligue 1 meetings between the two clubs, making Angers’ task even more daunting. Angers is expected to miss only one player, Jim Allevinah, due to a calf injury. They could make defensive adjustments after their recent poor performance.

Monaco will be dealing with several absentees as well including Lamine Camara and Denis Zakaria, while several players wait on late fitness tests. Despite challenges, Pocognoli is optimistic that his coaching will inspire the team to a crucial victory in this critical matchup.