While AS Monaco seemed to have strengthened its defense at the start of the season, the last matches revealed worrying flaws. What is happening on the Rock? Elements of response after another poor performance against PSG…
At the start of the 2024-2025 season, AS Monaco seemed to have found the key to a solid defense after an offseason of hard work under the leadership of coach Adi Hütter. However, the latest meetings, and in particular the heavy 4-2 defeat against PSG on Wednesday evening, have highlighted worrying flaws in the Monegasque rearguard.
The reasons for a drifting defense
Several factors can explain these repeated defensive poor performances:
An addiction to Zakaria
The absence of Denis Zakariathe true leader of the Monegasque environment, was cruelly felt. Without his presence to lock down the midfield, ASM loses stability and ability to protect its defense.
Repeated injuries
Monaco must deal with the recurring physical glitches of certain executives such as Benoît Badiashile or Guillermo Maripan. These absences destabilize the balance of a rearguard which is struggling to find its feet.
A suffering environment
Deprived of its rock Zakaria, the midline is in difficulty, unable to stem the opposing offensive waves. Youssouf Fofana et Eliot Matazoalthough promising, have not yet managed to rise to the expected level.
Lack of experience
With an average age of less than 24 years, the Monegasque defense shows a certain lack of experience. Faced with confirmed attackers like Mbappé, Neymar or Messithe young guard sometimes struggles to compete, getting caught behind the back or in one-on-one situations.
We must remain humble, while being ambitious.
AS Munich coach Adi Hütter
The lack of depth of the bench
In the event of defections, the Monegasque workforce shows its limits. The replacements do not yet have the level to ensure a smooth transition. Targeted recruitment during the winter transfer window could provide solutions.
Injury management to be reviewed?
According to a source close to the club, the medical staff is being singled out for their management of injured players. A too early return of certain elements could explain repeated relapses. Discussions are underway internally to optimize monitoring.
AS Monaco will have to quickly find answers to plug the gaps in a defense which is increasingly worrying its supporters. At the risk of seeing his ambitions for the top of the table disappear prematurely. The project is vast but essential for Adi Hütter and his staff. The next match at Lens, currently 4th in the standings, could already serve as a revelation.
