Football's hand covers the sky

Chapter 144 The Second Half of the Season War

The French Cup got his wish and broke into the [-]th final, but Monaco did not pay attention to the situation of the French Cup after the game. For Monaco, the French Cup is actually dispensable. What Monaco really cares about is the league.

No. Monaco's opponent in the 20th round of the league is Montpellier. With Girard's departure, Montpellier's performance this season is a bit miserable, with only 16 points in the [-]th round of the league.

But even so, Monaco can't be careless in the slightest. The first two games are still vivid in my memory. Not to mention the tragedy of the last league game during the winter break, the result of the French Cup alone is enough for Monaco to take seriously.

Now Monaco can't afford to lose, not to mention the club's own problems, just being opened up by Paris in the standings is a huge blow to the team.

Monaco is fully prepared for the battle, and so is Paris on the other side. For Paris, failing to defend the title is a failure. After all, Paris has invested more in these years than many giants.

Soon Ranieri went to Montpellier with Monaco's players, and Monaco will be a guest at the Ramonson Stadium in the second round of the contest.

"Guys, welcome back" Polanke and Barr appeared in the TV series on time, and fans who were unable to go to the away game to cheer for the team also sat in front of the TV on time.

"Although there is no good news this winter, there is no bad news for us," Barr couldn't help but joked.

The club's problems are now known to the whole of Monaco, and the divorce of the club's owner has become the most concerned thing for all Monaco fans, because it concerns the future of Monaco.

In addition to the boss's divorce news, Li Shou's future is also the focus of the team's concern. But after Li Shou's clear denial, Monaco fans can temporarily let go of their worries. At least they don't have to worry about losing their main goalkeeper before the end of the season.

There is no change in Monaco's lineup without any signings or sales of first-line players, but Montpellier has changed. Just a few days ago, Montpellier loaned the talented French striker Niang from AC Milan.

Two years ago, AC Milan brought the 300-year-old Niang from Caen to San Siro for 18 million euros. Two years later, it seems that Niang can only sit on the bench or get playing time on loan.

The impact of transfers on a player's career is huge, especially for young players. Although Niang still has time, he has not much time left. Perhaps it is because of this that he chose to return to Ligue [-] on loan.

Niang is also the biggest change in the Monaco team. In contrast, Monaco's lineup has not changed at all. Li Shou still occupies the starting lineup, with Kurzava, Carvalho, Abidal and Raj standing in front, Toulalan, Obadi, Moutinho, Rodriguez in the midfield, and Falcao and Riviere in the striker.

With the referee's whistle, Monaco's journey in the second half of the season officially began. Although Monaco, who played away, got the kick-off, they did not attack immediately.

In the first game of the second half of the season, Monaco was still very cautious. After a few passes, the ball came to Moutinho's feet. The Portuguese who held the ball did not send the ball forward, but passed it back and forth in his own half.

Monaco did not rush into Montpellier's half, and Montpellier did not intend to rush forward. For Montpellier, who only scored 16 points, scoring 1 point against Monaco is a victory.

Montpellier with 16 points is only a thin line away from the relegation zone, and they may fall to the relegation zone in one game, so facing the powerful Monaco, they can only defend as much as possible.

On the other side, Monaco is playing away after all, and for Monaco, the first game in the second half of the season cannot be missed, so it is understandable to play cautiously.

However, this is not a good thing for the fans, especially the neutral fans, because both sides are cautious and cautious. The first 10 minutes of the opening can be said to be quite dull, with only a poor shot.

Rodriguez's long-range shot, the game came to the 7th minute, Monaco finally scored in the hinterland of Montpellier, Moutinho passed the ball to Rodriguez, Falcao and Riviere immediately attacked Montpellier's defense to create a long-range shot for Rodriguez.

Rodriguez's shot still created a certain threat, forcing Montpellier Urdren to make the ball, and Monaco failed to seize the opportunity with the subsequent corner kick.

Although Montpellier's defensive players are not tall, Monaco's headers are veterans Carvalho and Abidal. These two are in good condition, but the decline in physical fitness is inevitable.

After 10 minutes of probing, Monaco no longer wanted to be as cautious as the opening, but the scene did not change much. After all, there was a winter break in between, and Montpellier's defense was also very good.

So in the following time, the scene was still dull. Although Monaco didn't want to be so cautious at the beginning, they didn't completely let go of the attack, and even the players' state didn't return to the best.

In this case, the game scene can be imagined. When the first half ended, Monaco shot a total of five shots, three of which were within the range of the goal frame.

Montpellier, who focused on defense, had three shots, two of which were completed through defensive counterattacks, and both shots were completed by Niang.

Although he was only a substitute in AC Milannion, he became the team's main offensive point in Ligue [-] and Montpellier, but it was not easy to break through the goal guarded by Li Shou. After half a season, only two of them broke the goal guarded by Li Shou.

Perhaps it is also because of this that Niang is so motivated. Montpellier is mainly defensive in this game, but Niang is quite active on the front line. This loan genius wants to clear his name by breaking Li Shou's goal.

"We strengthened our offense in the second half." Ranieri was a little dissatisfied with his performance in the first half. Although Ranieri has never pursued so-called offensive football, the victory he pursues is also the pursuit of every coach and player.

And after the first half, the state of Monaco's players seems to have improved. Of course, even without Ranieri, they will still choose to strengthen their offense in the second half, because Monaco will never accept a draw.

Paris Saint-Germain's opponent in the first game of the second half of the season was Ajaccio. Although Ajaccio drew with Paris Saint-Germain in the first round, no one was optimistic about Ajaccio.

Monaco, who does not want to be opened up by Paris Saint-Germain, has only one way to win the game, so strengthening the offense in the second half is an inevitable choice for Monaco.

(End of this chapter)