Monaco Set to Face Nice in Mediterranean Derby Amid Cup Disappointment
By BBC Sport
Monaco, April 19, 2014
AS Monaco will face OGC Nice this Sunday in the highly anticipated Mediterranean derby on Matchday 34 of Ligue 1, with both teams eager to make a statement after recent setbacks. The match, which will take place at the Stade Louis II, is expected to be a fiercely contested affair, as Monaco seeks to recover from a disappointing defeat in the Coupe de France.
The Monegasques were eliminated from the competition by Guingamp, losing 3-1 in the semi-finals, a result that has cast a shadow over their season. Despite sitting in second place in the league, with a six-point cushion over Lille, the loss in the Cup has left the team with a bitter taste and doubts surrounding the future of coach Claudio Ranieri.
However, despite the growing pressure on their manager, Monaco’s players remain determined to finish the season strongly. Tunisian defender Aymen Abdennour voiced the team’s resolve in a recent statement, insisting that the squad remains united and focused on securing a top-three finish in Ligue 1 to guarantee Champions League qualification.
“We are all disappointed by the elimination from the Cup, but now we have to move forward by winning the derby,” Abdennour said in a tweet. He continued, stressing the importance of the match: “A derby is always a difficult match. We’re playing at home, and we have to win for our fans.”
Abdennour also expressed the team’s solidarity with coach Ranieri, emphasizing the unity within the squad and the technical staff despite the challenges they’ve faced.
Monaco will be looking to bounce back from their midweek disappointment and keep their Champions League aspirations alive, with five matches remaining in the season. With Nice standing in their way, the stakes are high, and the pressure is on for the Monegasques to respond and maintain their place near the top of the table.
The derby against Nice is more than just a league fixture for Monaco; it is a chance to show resilience and ensure that their disappointing Cup exit does not define their season.
The Mediterranean derby promises to be an exciting encounter, and all eyes will be on the Stade Louis II as Monaco looks to get back on track in Ligue 1.
