Krépin Diatta has urged Monaco to “give everything” to secure victory in Sunday’s Ligue 1 derby against Nice, as the club looks to respond to a recent cup setback.
The Senegal international spoke to the media on Saturday ahead of the Matchday 21 encounter on the French Riviera, with Monaco travelling to face local rivals OGC Nice in a fixture that carries added significance for both sides. Monaco begin the weekend in 10th place, one position above Nice, who sit 13th in the table.
Attention has quickly shifted to the derby following Monaco’s midweek elimination from the Coupe de France.
The principality club were knocked out in the round of 16 after a 3-1 defeat away to Strasbourg, bringing an abrupt end to their cup campaign. Diatta made it clear that the disappointment must now be put aside.
“The most important thing is the derby tomorrow, and I hope everyone understands that it’s a derby and that we have to give everything to win it!” Diatta said.
“If we want to turn things around again, we have to show it on the pitch, put in what it takes to win matches. So we have to focus and not think about catching up with the teams ahead of us. If we win matches, it changes everything!”
Diatta, who recently won the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal, underlined the need for a collective response after the defeat in Strasbourg.
The 26-year-old defender has featured 11 times in Ligue 1 this season, along with two appearances in the Champions League, and stressed that performance levels would be decisive against Nice.
“The team is aware that we need to move on after the defeat in Strasbourg. We need to focus on Nice now and put in a great performance! The most important thing is how we respond on the pitch and how we deal with this team,” he added.
Despite their cup exit, Monaco head into the derby with some confidence from their most recent league outing.
In their previous Ligue 1 match, they recorded a commanding 4-0 home victory over Rennes, a result that highlighted their potential when operating at full intensity.
Sunday’s match, scheduled for a 3pm kick-off, offers Monaco an opportunity to build on that league performance and regain momentum in the domestic campaign.
For Diatta, the message is clear: the derby demands full commitment, focus and a reaction on the pitch as Monaco aim to assert themselves against their regional rivals.
