AS Monaco is in great shape. Since the arrival of Vassilis Spanoulis at its head, the Roca Team has raised the bar with authority, as evidenced by its big victories against Fenerbahçe in the EuroLeague (+30) and against Le Portel in the championship (+22). As Bayern Munich arrives on the Rock this Tuesday evening for a EuroLeague clash that looks like a playoff match, the dynamic is clearly Monegasque.
The Spanoulis requirement, the key to change
If Monaco has found its cruising speed, the pivot of the Roca Team Mouhammadou Jaiteh (2.11 m, 30 years old), back after his injury, does not see it as a coincidence. “One of the main reasons is the coach, the champion mentality and winning. He is very demanding, and that obviously helps us a lot. The team adheres to the message. That’s the big reason for all this.”he confided after the victory against Le Portel, where he signed an evaluation of 13 in 17 minutes.
The pivot, who is gradually regaining rhythm, displays intact motivation: “I was hungry to get back on the pitch. We will have to be patient, but I will do everything to deliver what is expected of me, especially against Bayern, a crucial match for us. » Spanoulis’ impact is felt in the details: a more fluid game, more collective movement and an impeccable state of mind. A requirement that the entire locker room has visibly adopted.
Mike James and a formidable collective
If Mike James remains the spearhead of Monaco with 13.8 points and 5.4 assists per game, his backcourt teammates also shine. Jordan Loyd (12.9 points) and Élie Okobo (12.8 points) form with him one of the most formidable offensive trios in Europe. Enough to impress the opponent.
“Monaco has just won by 30 points against Fenerbahçe, it’s a team that plays at the highest level”recognizes Gordon Herbert, coach of Bayern Munich, visibly impressed by the quality of the game on offer. After studying the Roca Team’s latest matches, the 2023 world champion notes some adjustments: “A little more ball movement and Mike James dropping the ball more. This is an even more dangerous team. »
Even diminished by the absence of winger Alpha Diallo (2.01 m, 27 years old) and maestro Nick Calathes, Monaco manages to maintain a high level of play. Spanoulis’ contribution, both as a technician and leader, seems to give this team a new dimension.
A solid Bayern but on guard
For its part, Bayern Munich, surprise of the season (3rd with 10 victories and 5 defeats, the same record as its opponents of the day), is having an impressive run in the EuroLeague. The German team, which did not start as favorites, today ranks among the contenders for the playoffs. To hope to win on the Monegasque floor, Gordon Herbert insists on the keys to the match: “Control the tempo and defend with intensity.” But faced with a Roca Team in full confidence and pushed by its public, the task promises to be tough for the Bavarians.
