AS Monaco has decided to implement a significant change in its coaching leadership, following a somewhat underwhelming start to the current season. Despite holding a respectable fifth position in Ligue 1, just three points adrift of league leaders PSG, the Principality club has been critiqued for its inconsistent quality of play and a noticeable lack of sustained performance. This was particularly evident and led to considerable discussion after a heavy 4-0 defeat in the Champions League against Bruges.
After a comprehensive search that involved considering various candidates, including Edin Terzic (who ultimately declined the offer), Thiago Motta, and Sérgio Conceição (from whom no concrete developments emerged), the club`s management has ultimately chosen to appoint Sébastien Pocognoli. The 38-year-old, a former Belgian international left-back with 13 caps for his country, will join Monaco from Union Saint-Gilloise.
Pocognoli brings with him a proven track record of immediate success, having remarkably guided Union Saint-Gilloise to both the Belgian title and the Supercup in his very first season as a head coach. AS Monaco is expected to pay approximately one million euros in compensation to secure his services. Furthermore, Kevin Mirallas, an experienced ex-forward who played in Ligue 1, will join Pocognoli`s technical staff, specifically tasked with coaching the attacking players. In anticipation of Pocognoli`s move, Union Saint-Gilloise has already taken steps to appoint Rik de Mil, the current coach of Charleroi, as his successor.
This strategic appointment signifies the commencement of a new chapter for AS Monaco. The club`s primary objectives are to restore greater consistency in its domestic league performances and to cultivate a more competitive and impactful presence in future European competitions.
