Philippe Clement: “We have nothing to lose.” | OneFootball

AS Monaco manager Philippe Clement isn’t feeling the pressure going into Saturday’s decisive clash against RC Lens. Victory or a draw would secure a position on the podium, although should they lose at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis, they could still miss out on Champions League football next season.

Speaking to the media in a pre-match press conference, he said, “It is the first time we have nothing to lose. We have already secured Europa League football, which was the objective at the start of the season. It’s not been easy having to catch up to get to this point. Now there are extra things that we can win on Saturday. That’s the difference from past months.”

Asked by GFFN journalist Luke Entwistle whether that meant that Champions League qualification would constitute a surpassing of expectations, he replied, “I don’t know because nobody told me that if we didn’t get onto the podium then it’s a bad season. That’s never been said here. You have to look at the season in its entirety. The club lost too many points in the first 60-70% of games this season. It’s good that everyone reacted at the end and has done good things.”