EXCLUSIVE | 'More of a Surprise Than Extraordinary...' Analysis Before Monaco-Galatasaray Match: Everything Depends on the Turks

Our representative, Galatasaray, will go head-to-head with Monaco in their sixth Champions League match away from home. The Yellow-Reds currently sit in 14th place with 9 points, while Monaco is in 23rd place with 6 points. Before the match, which kicks off at 11:00 PM (Turkish time) this evening, Christopher Roux from the French newspaper Nice Matin answered our questions. Here are his responses:

Why is Monaco Performing So Poorly in the League This Season?

"There are many reasons. There have been numerous injuries since the beginning of the season, and the transfer window was a big failure. ASM only spent €12.5 million for Idumbo and Hradecky. The transfers of Paul Pogba, Ansu Fati, and Eric Dier have not delivered the expected returns so far. Fati disappeared after a good start. Ligue 1 players are too fast for Dier, and Pogba is slowly recovering. Despite a change in coach, Monaco is conceding too many goals. Furthermore, they struggle against compact defenses in matches where they need to create chances."

Does the Team Prioritize the Champions League Over the League?

"No, the league is very important for ASM. They need to play in the Champions League every season, and being 6 points away from the Champions League ranking is not an insurmountable difference. They want to perform better than they did in last season's Champions League play-off round."

Which Monaco Players Will Be Unavailable?

"Fati, Dier, and Mawissa are out. Zakaria is back after being suspended for the Brest match in Ligue 1. There are still doubts about Balogun, but he is expected to play. Diatta and Brunner are not on the UEFA list."

On Monaco Defeating PSG in the League

"It could be called more of a surprise than extraordinary. Monaco has already beaten PSG in recent years. However, the sad thing is the team's inconsistency. Monaco is hard to understand because they can play very well against Paris but then lose to teams like Paris FC, Brest, or Lorient."

Which Galatasaray Players Do You Fear Most?

"Osimhen and Sane, who have rediscovered themselves at Galatasaray."

What is Pocognoli’s Style of Play for Monaco?

"He adopts an intense style of play, preferred by modern coaches today. He emphasizes clever pressing sequences and transition play. He also wants a team that can maintain possession when necessary."

What Kind of Match Do You Expect? What is Your Prediction?

"It's hard to predict. Monaco absolutely needs to win before their last two difficult matches against Real Madrid and Juve. The players will also give their maximum because it's the Champions League and a big game. Despite this, my score prediction is a draw (1-1). Galatasaray can put up a good performance despite their absences. Everything will depend on the Turks' willingness to press high against ASM; this could create problems for Monaco. If they do, how ASM plays behind the Galatasaray defense will be decisive."

Will the Monaco Fans' Protest Affect the Match?

"The voice of the fans doesn't really resonate in Monaco. I don't think it will change anything. There is already not much atmosphere in Monaco, often none at all."