Clément calls for Monaco to get back to basics | OneFootball

AS Monaco coach Philippe Clément is demanding an improved defensive performance from his team as the principality side look to get back to winning ways against AC Ajaccio on Sunday.

“I don’t like to point the finger at any one player when we talk about the defensive side of things. It is a collective responsibility, and it involves the midfielders and attackers as well as the defenders,” Clément said ahead of the game in Corsica as Monaco aim to bounce back following their 1-0 loss at home to Stade de Reims last time out.

“It is not as if we conceded five goals against Reims, and we also hit the post twice and had a goal disallowed for an offside of a few centimetres. We need to look at what we can improve to get back to what was working for us before. We need to get back to basics to start getting good results again.”

Monaco have gone four games without a win, following their Europa League exit at the hands of Bayer Leverkusen by taking just one point from a possible nine in Ligue 1. That run has threatened their chances of a top-three finish.

Big winners last time

“I have seen good things in training this week. You can talk for days, for weeks, even months, but it is what you do that counts if you are going to get results, and we need to show that against Ajaccio on Sunday,” said the Belgian.

Monaco were big 7-1 winners when they last faced the Corsicans, at home just two months ago, but Clément is wary of a side who are battling to avoid relegation.

“The players are well aware that we have to win, and that it is a hostile place to go, with lots of passion. Playing in Corsica is special and we will be facing a side fighting for survival. We will need to use the ball well if we are to come away with a win.”

>> CLUB PROFILE: AS Monaco