The AS Monaco « Under 19s » Gear Up for a Thrilling Season Ahead and are Back to Training with Frédéric Barilaro. Following their routine medical and physical evaluations they have been back on the training grounds ready to tackle the upcoming season.
With the professionals having returned on June 24 and the Elite Group on July 8, it is now the U19s’ turn to prepare for an exhilarating 2024-2025 season. Barilaro, marking his 31st year at the Club, is set to lead these young talents through another promising chapter.
Championships and Cups Await
The U19s are in for a busy season, participating in the National Championship, the Gambardella Cup, and notably, the Youth League. Thanks to AS Monaco’s impressive second-place finish in Ligue 1, the U19 squad is automatically qualified for the UEFA Youth League—returning to this prestigious international competition six years after their last appearance.
European Stage Beckons
Frédéric Barilaro’s team joins the elite ranks in the Youth League, mirroring the Champions League format. They will compete in six group stage matches, facing the same opponents as their senior counterparts. If AS Monaco goes head-to-head with Real Madrid, the U19s will also clash with the Spanish giants, reminiscent of their encounters in 2017. The draw, scheduled for August 29, will reveal their European challengers.
Past Glories and Future Aspirations
In recent years, Barilaro’s squad has twice reached the round of 16 in the Youth League, narrowly losing to Real Madrid in 2017 and falling to Tottenham Hotspur on penalties in 2018. These teams featured future professionals like Benoît Badiashile, Khéphren Thuram, and Moussa Sylla. The current U19s aim to build on these foundations and achieve new heights.
Spotlight on Rising Stars
The AS Monaco Academy continues to shine, with three of its talents—Mayssam Benama, Saïmon Bouabré, and Lucas Michal—selected by Bernard Diomède for the French U19 squad. Competing in the Euro U19 Championship in Northern Ireland from July 15 to 29, they face Turkey, Spain, and Denmark in Group B. Their inclusion in the final 20-player squad, following a rigorous preparation camp, highlights their growing prowess and potential.
Ready for Gambardella Glory
Parallel to their European campaign, the U19s are determined to emulate their predecessors’ success in the Gambardella Cup. With a focus on physical conditioning, Barilaro has structured their training regime to build strength and hone technical skills. The team started their sessions with muscle-strengthening exercises, followed by technical ball games, setting a strong foundation for the challenges ahead.
The U19s are primed and ready, with a season full of promise and potential. Under Frédéric Barilaro’s guidance, they are poised to make their mark on multiple fronts, showcasing the depth of talent within AS Monaco’s Academy.
