Prince Albert II dubbed Monaco’s Ligue 1 title “extraordinary” after the club’s 2-0 win at home to Saint-Etienne clinched the Principality’s first Ligue 1 title since 2000 on Wednesday, while manager Leonardo Jardim said the achievement is more impressive than Paris Saint-Germain’s recent string of triumphs.
Kylian Mbappe and Valere Germain scored the goals that dethroned the Parisian side as title holders, ending the club’s four-year stay at the top of the table.
Prince of Monaco Albert II told Canal+: “After an extraordinary season, this final victory at home is the culmination of many things. Four and a half years ago we were in Ligue 2, now we find ourselves champion of France. This group is extraordinary, talented and very good-spirited, led by a great coach. It is a work of a whole team, but also of the staff, and the supporters. I think this team has a tremendous talent with young people who can still progress.”
Coach Leonardo Jardim added that Monaco, who did not enter the season as favourites, have done something truly special.
“Winning a Championship in a team that is not a favourite is a great trophy,” Jardim said in quotes published by L’Equipe.
“This is the most important trophy of my life as a coach. We have worked a lot for 11 months. But the best thing came up with this title. Monaco champion, this is worth four times champion Paris.
“It’s my biggest achievement. Monaco winning the league is the equivalent of PSG winning it four times.
“Paris winning it has been a habit.”
After the celebrations, however, the club will face competition to keep stars such as Mbappe, Thomas Lemar and Bernardo Silva, and Prince Albert II said he reckons some would be leaving in the summer.
“They cannot all stay,” he said. “There will necessarily be some departures.”
Source: www.espnfc.com
