Unveiling Sébastien Pocognoli’s First Starting Eleven as Monaco Coach
Sébastien Pocognoli has made his debut as the coach of AS Monaco by implementing a three-man defense with a 3-4-2-1 formation. This setup, reminiscent of his previous tactics at Union Saint-Gilloise, was deployed on Saturday night against Angers in Ligue 1.
Team Adjustments for the Match
Due to injuries to players Mawissa and Dier, Pocognoli made strategic alterations to his lineup. Henrique, usually a full-back, was positioned as the left center-back, a role he has previously fulfilled under former managers Niko Kovac in 2021 and Philippe Clement earlier in 2023.
This tactical choice allowed Pocognoli to utilize Teze and Coulibaly in the midfield, while Diatta and Ouattara were assigned as wing-backs. Akliouche and Fati were set to support Biereth in a forward position.
Player Statistics and Absentees
Biereth aims to regain his form after scoring only once in nine matches this season. The team faced several absences due to injuries, including:
- Hradecky (knee)
- Zakaria (groin)
- Pogba (quadriceps)
- Vanderson
- Dier (hamstring)
- Camara (ankle)
- Mawissa (hamstring, undergoing recovery)
- Michal (on international duty)
- Brunner (coaching decision)
Returning to the squad after earlier setbacks, Golovin and Bamba were placed on the bench for this match.
Monaco’s Starting Eleven Against Angers
The starting lineup for AS Monaco consisted of:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Köhn |
| Defense | Kehrer (captain), Salisu, Henrique |
| Midfield | Diatta, Coulibaly, Teze, Ouattara |
| Forwards | Akliouche, Fati |
| Striker | Biereth |
Pocognoli’s first outing as AS Monaco’s coach will be closely scrutinized as the season progresses. The tactical decisions he made will shape the team’s identity going forward.
