How Monaco revived their European bid as leaders emerge in five Ligue 1 games | OneFootball

AS Monaco have reignited their European push, the league’s form side across the last five Ligue 1 rounds, now seventh and three points off the top five. According to L'Équipe, Sébastien Pocognoli traces the shift to a Champions League jolt.

Four wins over Rennes, Nantes, Lens and Angers on Saturday, plus a draw at Nice, lifted them from 10th. Results such as 4-0 against Rennes and 3-2 at Lens reflected sharper attitude, resilience and efficiency.

It followed seven defeats in eight between matchdays 11 and 18. A 0-0 at Juventus steadied pride after a 1-6 at Real Madrid, when players spoke plainly and reset standards. A team dinner on 10 February reinforced unity.

Confidence grew as they pushed PSG close in last week’s play-off return at the Parc des Princes, scoring four across the tie, 2-3 and 2-2. Pocognoli says leaders are starting to emerge in a young group, and he aims to stay level as the plan takes hold.

Denis Zakaria has anchored a back three, Folarin Balogun hit four in February, and Ansu Fati and Maghnes Akliouche added spark. Winter recruits Wout Faes and Simon Adingra have slotted in, teenager Aladji Bamba is rising, and Vanderson and Christian Mawissa have returned.

The schedule now hardens, PSG away on Friday then Brest, Lyon and Marseille. Reading between the lines, the Belgian hinted at aiming not to lose in Paris, then to beat Lyon and Marseille to close the gap.

Source: L'Équipe