AS Monaco is gearing up for a challenging match against Lille next Sunday in the 12th round of Ligue 1. Lille has displayed excellent form throughout the season, reinforcing their strong performance with a recent victory against Nantes (0-1) at La Beaujoire.
Operating quietly but effectively, the Mastiffs find themselves advancing in the shadows of Paris Saint-Germain, Monaco, and Olympique de Marseille, despite being ahead of them in the standings. Boasting the best defense in Ligue 1, Lille has yet to concede a single goal in six matches, showcasing a defensive solidity that positions them as potential contenders for the league title.
Eric Abidal, the captain of AS Monaco, acknowledged Lille’s impressive performances ahead of their upcoming clash in the North. Speaking about the Mastiffs, Abidal emphasized the need to take them seriously. He stated, “Lille is very strong. The players have been playing together for a long time. Back when they were playing in the Champions League, they were already well-established. I watched their last match. They are a very challenging team to face. Now, we need to be focused. If we approach the game like we did in our second half yesterday, it’s going to be complicated for us. We must take the time to prepare well to hope for a positive result there,” as explained during a press conference on Tuesday.
Before facing Lille, AS Monaco will first travel to the Stade de Reims pitch for a Coupe de la Ligue match this Wednesday.