Over the last decade, Monaco have gone through severe ordeals, as they landed their big-money takeover in 2011 which saw James Rodriguez, Joao Moutinho and Radamel Falcao join the principality. Once the money dried up, Monaco had to go in a new direction, which saw youth take the forefront within the club’s set-up. With Luis Campos, at the helm of Monaco’s adolescent revolution, the clubs began to climb up the table. With the triumph of the Ligue 1 title Champions League semi-final in 2017 and the exodus shortly afterwards, youth is still thriving high, as under new manager ex-Bayern Munich Niko Kovač, Monaco finished third in the 20/21 Ligue 1 season and only missed out on the Champions League group stage through qualification.
Similar to Monaco, Lille has had a hard fight back to the top after finally winning the title in the 2020/21 season, with the last winning the competition in 2011 with ex-Chelsea star Eden Hazard making his trading. In recent times, both teams have seen better times, but both have don’t made the start to the season they would have wished, and much improvement is needed from both outfits.
In this tactical analysis, I will begin analysing the intricacies that were involved during Lille’s lighting start of this match, as well as Monaco’s shortcoming in and out of possession while showcasing what they attempted. Lastly, I will be shining light upon Monaco’s resilience after a very tough start to this match.
Line-ups
Monaco made use of a 4-4-2 formation with Alexander Nübel in goal. In defence, Ruben Aguilar, Axel Disasi, Strahinja Pavlović and Caio Henrique. In midfield, Krépin Diatta, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Youssouf Fofana and Sofiane Diop. In attack, Myron Boadu and former Bundesliga striker, Kevin Volland
Lille utilised a 4-4-2 formation with Ivo Grbić in goal. In defence: Zeki Çelik, Jose Fonte, Tiago Djaló and Domagoj Bradarić In midfield, Nanitamo Ikoné, Benjamin André, Xeka and Yusuf Yazıcı. In attack, Timothy Weah and Jonathan David.
Lille’s lightning start
Lille manager Jocelyn Gourvennec could have asked for a better start when coming. Into this game, his side scored two goals within the first nine minutes of this match against Monaco. While the goal came quick, Lille was able to compose themselves and style away from home and showed no signs of being frantic. The team sheet shows Lille within a 4-4-2 formation but during this match, Gourvennec men utilised different variations within all three phases. Within the first phase of play, Lille’s back four was quite unorthodox as they adopted an asymmetrical backline in regards to the positioning of their full-backs.
Young Croatian left-back Domagoj Bradarić was pushed slightly higher which is a moderate contrast to his full-back counterpart. Zeki Çelik, who was positioned more conservative on the right-hand side. With the difference regarding the positioning of the full-backs, Lille made use of a back three at times. In addition, the midfield double pivot consisting of Benjamin André, Xeka altered throughout; the two midfield players stacked and did not operate on the same lateral line. Benjamin Andre was more inclined to drop deeper and facilitate play within the first phase of play. Xeka, on the other hand, would at times, position himself within the left half-space.
