AS Monaco's season is set to end in disappointment, with the club likely to finish outside the top three for the second time since the COVID-19 pandemic. Manager Sébastien Pocognoli shoulders part of the blame, and his future at the helm hangs in the balance as the club prepares for a post-season evaluation.
Pocognoli took over in October, inheriting a team that was already struggling despite a fifth-place standing at the time. The underlying issues were masked by a favorable schedule that included matches against bottom-half teams. Former coach Adi Hütter had lost the dressing room, and doubts about his ability to turn things around were widespread.
Compounding the challenge, Monaco suffered an unprecedented injury epidemic, the worst in a decade. The performance department, led by the relatively obscure Vadim Khetagov, was under scrutiny but has emerged stronger in recent months. Pocognoli and his staff had to constantly adapt the lineup and tactics.
There was a glimmer of hope during March and April, when Monaco reeled off seven consecutive victories. This run included impressive wins against Olympique Lyonnais, Paris Saint-Germain, Lens, and Marseille, as well as a competitive showing against the reigning European champions in the Champions League, drawing and narrowly losing. The team climbed the table and seemed to have turned a corner.
However, the inconsistency that plagued the season soon resurfaced. Monaco suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Paris FC on April 10, a result that effectively derailed their momentum. They then dropped points against teams they were expected to beat, highlighting a lack of consistency that has been Pocognoli's biggest challenge.
"Why is there inconsistency? We are working on it," Pocognoli said after one such setback. "It's something I absolutely must fix for next season because we cannot have another season like this." His comments suggest he is already planning for the future in Monaco, but the club may have other ideas.
Pocognoli's contract runs for another year, but no extension negotiations have been initiated. The club's owner, Dmitry Rybolovlev, may see the summer as an opportune time to start a new cycle. While Pocognoli has generally maintained the support of the players, it would be an overstatement to say the team has significantly improved under his guidance. Some players have already mentally checked out, knowing their futures lie elsewhere.
The final match of the season could still influence the club's decision, but as it stands, Pocognoli's position is uncertain. The board will conduct a thorough review, weighing the mitigating factors against the failure to meet expectations.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.
