Performances, recruits, new numbers and more... A look back at AS Monaco's preseason! | OneFootball

Before the start of Ligue 1 this Saturday against Le Havre (7 p.m.), here's a look back on the Rouge et Blanc's seven weeks of preseason, punctuated by numerous friendlies and a training camp.

Ligue 1 is (already) back! After seven weeks of intensive preparations at the Performance Center and in England, the AS Monaco players will return to Ligue 1 action against Le Havre at the Stade Louis-II this Saturday (7 p.m.). But before this opening match, here’s a quick look back at a particularly successful and encouraging preseason for our Rouge et Blanc. 🏋️‍♂️

Convincing results 👏

During preseason, AS Monaco won five times: against Cercle Bruges (1-0), Coventry City (0-5), Arminia Bielefeld (0-3) and twice against Torino by the same score: 3-1, as well as a pair of draws, against Nottingham Forest (0-0) and Ajax Amsterdam (2-2), before just a sole defeat against Inter Milan (1-2). The results on the whole were therefore positive, especially since the Monegasques scored 18 times (by 10 different scorers), conceding only six.

A full Stade Louis-II against Inter Milan 🏟️

The final duel against the European runners-up last Friday took place in a packed Stade Louis-II with over 13,000 people inside. Everyone was able to see a great goal by Maghnes Akliouche, the preseason’s top scorer with five goals, and see the entire squad presented before kickoff. It was a great taste of the team’s qualities before the return of Ligue 1 against Le Havre this Saturday (7 p.m.). Tickets for the match are now on sale. We look forward to seeing you there again!

Several new faces in the squad 🆕

On the whole, it’s a slightly modified squad compared to last season since four new players joined the ranks of AS Monaco this summer, starting with Eric Dier. Having arrived from Bayern Munich in May, the central defender has already demonstrated his composure and his ability to restart play, and will be a major asset for Adi Hütter.

The coach will hope to get the same from Paul Pogba and Ansu Fati. If they have not yet made their debuts in Rouge et Blanc, this is not the case for the latest recruit Lukáš Hradecký. Arriving on Friday from Bayer Leverkusen, the Finnish goalkeeper was in fact already a starter in goal against the Nerazzurri a few hours later.

Training camp at the home of the Three Lions 🇬🇧

As well as these eight matches, the Rouge et Blanc also had a training camp in England. And just as they did two seasons ago, they took up residence at the England national team’s headquarters at St. George’s Park. With one or two daily training sessions, they were able to work on their fitness and continue their build-up.

It was also an opportunity for the two young midfielders trained at La Diagonale, Aladji Bamba and Pape Cabral, to experience their first training camp and make their professional debuts (204 minutes for the former and 53 for the latter).

Key contract extensions ✍️

This week of training across the Channel was also marked by the announcement of a contract extension for Mika Biereth — until 2030. Having arrived last winter, the Danish striker had no problems adapting to Ligue 1, scoring 13 times in just 16 Ligue 1 matches. It was a level of performance that our number 14 has maintained during this preseason, scoring four goals. This is promising for him, who is therefore looking even more committed to staying at AS Monaco.

Two jerseys in with a Japanese touch 👕

When one thinks of a new season, one thinks of new jerseys. And while waiting for the launch of the Third, the home and away kits by Mizuno, a new major partner of the Principality’s club, have already been revealed. While the Home kit features the traditional 55° red and white diagonal, the redesigned Japanese-style collar adds a touch of modernity.

As for the Away kit, in blue, inspired by the “Blue Samurai,” it celebrates the ties that unite Japan and the Principality, harmoniously blending Japanese heritage with Monegasque elegance, with Monaco’s Japanese garden at its heart.

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And new squad numbers  🔢

This preseason was finally an opportunity for some players to change their squad numbers. George Ilenikhena has chosen to abandon the number 21 for number 19, Lucas Michal has taken over his attacking partner’s first number, while Aladji Bamba has set his sights on the number 23.

As for the new signings, Lukas Hradecky has retained his number 1 from Bayer Leverkusen, Eric Dier has switched from his previous number 15 to the number 3, Paul Pogba will play with the number 8 previously worn by Ludovic Giuly and Youri Djorkaeff, and Ansu Fati will play with the number 31, the significance of which is found in his date of birth, as he was born on October 31, 2002.