21 April 2015
Monaco duo Leonardo Jardim and Aymen Abdennour believe that the Ligue 1 outfit must put in an “intelligent display” if they are to overturn their Champions League quarter-final first leg deficit against Juventus on Wednesday.
Les Rouge et Blanc, who are looking to seal a spot in the last four for the first time since 2004, need to score at least once so as to cancel out Arturo Vidal’s spot-kick from last week and regain a foothold in the encounter.
An away goal for the Bianconeri, however, would signify the hosts requiring three unanswered strikes, a feat they have yet to realise on home turf in Europe’s elite competition this term.
And Jardim was of the opinion that in order to match Serie A’s league leaders pound for pound, his charges need to keep it tight at the back and make the most of the chances that could come their way.
Speaking to the media at the Stade Louis II, the Portuguese tactician began: “We need to put in a perfect performance. It’s important we have good defensive organisation but we also need to be efficient in attack.
“The Champions League is a whole different story. We need to score without conceding. Juventus are a very experienced side and it’s vital we keep our heads.”
Despite not adding to his six Champions League goals last week, one man Monaco will be determined to keep a close eye on is Carlos Tevez, with the Argentinean ultimately proving deadly in Dortmund during the last 16 to send the Bianconeri through.
But Jardim was quick to dispel that the 31-year-old forward is his side’s sole focus, choosing to outline that Juventus possess talent in abundance and that his men must be ready for the challenge that lies in wait.
“Of course Tevez is a focal point but their team is blessed with great players in every department. It’s vital we’re well prepared.”
Sat alongside his manager in tonight’s press conference was defender Abdennour, who could be tasked with keeping L’Apache quiet tomorrow evening.
The Tunisian international echoed his boss’ sentiments, stating that Monaco would need to be on their guard for the duration of the contest but also have it in their locker to turn the tables on their Italian counterparts.
He said: “We need to remain patient, score a goal and above all not let one in. An intelligent performance is necessary. We know how to contest the big games and possess the quality to win. We’re a young and ambitious squad and want to experience a great evening.”
