Why Yann Lienard is vital to Monaco’s dressing room | OneFootball

Yann Lienard has become a valued presence at Monaco despite limited game time, his attitude and influence resonating across the squad. According to Nice-Matin, the third-choice goalkeeper is considered essential in the dressing room.

His only appearance came on 22 December 2024 at the Stadium de Toulouse, when Monaco beat Union Saint-Jean 4-1 in the Coupe de France with the young keeper starting. He has not featured since.

Under Sébastien Pocognoli he is routinely named in the group, takes part in warm-ups, then watches from the stands, a rhythm he accepts without complaint. Former team-mate Eliesse Ben Seghir portrays him as relentlessly positive, someone who helps others handle being benched or left out.

Well liked and known as Yannou, he bridges generations and nationalities, adapting easily with English and Spanish speakers and guiding youngsters settling in. A fan of Jul, he occasionally turns up in the rapper’s T-shirts, without unsettling the group.

Off the pitch he is the organiser-in-chief, from bowling nights to barbecues at his place, welcoming and eager to lift spirits. Those close to him describe a generous character.

His coach calls him exemplary and highlights how he pushes attackers in sessions with Kévin Mirallas. The next step is to showcase those qualities under weekly pressure, either at Monaco or on loan, short or long, with staff seeking the best option.

Last summer a loan to Ligue 2 side Montpellier was floated. During the last pre-season, some at Monaco even told the arriving Paul Pogba they viewed Lienard as the best keeper in the squad, and Ben Seghir, now at Bayer Leverkusen, remains convinced he could eventually become number one.

Source: Nice-Matin