Monaco (AFP)
Despite the arrival of Ben Yedder and 108 million euros invested this summer in transfers, Leonardo Jardim, who fears the departure of Falcao, expects further reinforcements to consolidate a Monaco under construction, which moves to the promoted Metz Saturday ( 20.00).
This season, Jardim says it clearly: he is not satisfied with his group. According to him, Monaco does not have the means to compete for a place in the Champions League.
However, with Lecomte, Aguilar, Gelson Martins, Ben Yedder and Onyekuru, Monaco has already invested 108 million euros in its transfer window. But before moving to Metz, Jardim focuses on the gaps.
"We will try to win without losing a player," he says, "those who have joined us must be fit, that's why we will have difficulties over the next three games. to avoid injury. "
The association Falcao - Ben Yedder should not be aligned entry into Lorraine. Ben Yedder, "who only played 20 minutes with Sevilla," said Jardim, and Onyekuru (even Keita Baldé) need a few weeks to be in shape after their African Cup of Nations.
For Ben Yedder, Jardim makes an appointment after the truce in early September. "He did not practice the days before he came, focused on his transfer," he says, "he's in a state of mind to make the physical effort, he can play a bit in Metz. But I'm expecting a lot from him after the truce. "
"It still lacks offensive players," according to Jardim, who can not seem to loosen the teeth after this transfer window. "I think attackers will come in. In the middle too, but the club knows all that."
- Complicated, this folder Falcao -
After a new internal reorganization (appointment of Vachieslav Ivanov as deputy CEO, Olga Dementieva as technical director and Lluis Til-Perez to lead the medical department), the duo Oleg Petrov - Nicolas Holveck does not spare to rebalance the effective.
Thirty departures were recorded (eleven transfers, thirteen loans, two end of contract, four loan returns) plus four departures from the Academy (Khephren Thuram in Nice, Mbock in Angers, Zerkane in Bordeaux, Majbri in Manchester United ).
The club, which has cashed 96 million euros, will reinvest. A defensive midfielder is expected. Bakayoko (Chelsea), who knows club and coach, has grown in consistency. The arrival of a central defender is studied.
But, if the defensive balance of his team remains fragile, it is especially the fear of a departure from Falcao that obsesses Jardim.
The Portuguese technician, very protective of his attacker, flatters his professionalism. "Falcao worked very well this week, with a lot of attitude and envy," he said, "he came back at the end of July and already has a good condition and I'm counting on him."
On the other hand, its management remains inflexible on its contractual situation. Falcao, 33 and free in June, receives 8 million euros net annual. He has agreed with Galatasaray on a three-year contract (16 million euros in total salary) and is also waiting for a sign from Valencia.
Petrov will not give a gift to his captain, whose representative, Mendes, has always been tough in business and has already been to the standoff in 2014 for Manchester United.
If he leaves, Falcao will have to be replaced by a player of his caliber, assured Petrov. The Argentinian Inter Milan Mauro Icardi is part of the tracks. The Falcao folder may last ...
© 2019 AFP