Pocognoli tries to steady Monaco amid storm as Madrid test looms | OneFootball

Monaco visit Real Madrid at 21:00 tonight in a tie overshadowed by relegation form. Head coach Sébastien Pocognoli is trying to steady an injury-hit side with boardroom backing.

According to L'Équipe, he cut a determined figure in Monday’s Bernabéu press conference, with chief executive Thiago Scuro watching closely.

The slump recalls 2018-2019, when Thierry Henry’s 20-match stint ended with Leonardo Jardim’s return and a 17th-place finish. Pocognoli also arrived in October and, for now, retains credit.

Scuro backs him and still has the confidence of president Dimitri Rybolovlev despite seven defeats in the last eight Ligue 1 games and a league position that pushes Monaco away from the prospect of a third straight Champions League season.

Scuro said last week Monaco cannot pay fees this winter because of finances and the threat of a UEFA sanction, though with sporting director Carlos Avina he is exploring an attacker and possibly a midfielder.

Pocognoli is short again, with 10 players unavailable tonight. Internally, signings alone are not seen as a fix.

There is a push for better discipline, fewer red cards and improved physical management to limit injuries. Some at La Turbie believe Adi Hütter’s summer work hampered the season.

Pocognoli persists with high pressing and intensity and is trying to inject combativeness. He says the pressure is his to carry and the squad are behind him. Since his arrival Monaco are unbeaten in the Champions League, with two wins and two draws, and remain well placed for the play-offs.

Source: L'Équipe