Ligue 1: AS Monaco draw vs Angers in Sébastien Pocognoli’s debut
© AS Monaco
AS Monaco were left frustrated not to win at the Stade Raymond Kopa against Angers for its new manager’s league debut thanks to a late leveller from Sidiki Cherif after Folarin Balogun had given them the lead.
15 days after tying with OGC Nice in the derby, the Principality club was held to a draw on Saturday evening on the pitch of Angers on the occasion of the eighth matchday of Ligue 1 (1-1).
Despite opening the scoring through Folarin Balogun, the Monégasques were unable to maintain their advantage vs the second-to-last team in the standings. A missed opportunity to start in the best possible way for the Belgian technician.
Mixed opening
Faced with numerous absences, Sébastien Pocognoli decided to line up in a 3-4-2-1, with Caio Henrique in defence alongside captain Thilo Kehrer, Jordan Teze in midfield and an attacking trio made up of Maghnès Akliouche, Ansu Fati and Mika Biereth. If the visitors got their hands on the ball, it was Angers who created the first opportunity thanks to Louis Mouton, whose powerful shot went just wide of Philipp Köhn’s goal (24′).
Angers, the worst attack in Ligue 1 with only three goals scored before kick-off, managed to cause problems for their opponents, who struggled to build their game. But the Red and White team responded with Fati, who mistimed his header, while goalkeeper Hervé Koffi kept out a shot from Biereth (30′). On the bench, Pocognoli continued to encourage his players and gave instructions to find solutions.
Changes pay off
After the break, Angers sent a shiver through the ASM squad. Amine Sbaï’s effort hit the post after Fati lost the ball (50′). This scare gave Pocognoli’s men new energy, making them more solid and enterprising.
The former Union Saint-Gilloise coach then decided on the hour mark to bring in some new blood up front with the introduction of Takumi Minamino and Balogun. Ten minutes later, the two substitutes would prove decisive. The latter took advantage of a one-touch pass from the Japanese ace to break the deadlock and score his second league goal (72′).
Le premier coaching gagnant de 𝗦𝗘𝗕𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗡 𝗣𝗢𝗖𝗢𝗚𝗡𝗢𝗟𝗜❗
— L1+ (@ligue1plus) October 18, 2025
🇯🇵 Minamino 𝙭 Balogun 🇺🇸#SCOASM pic.twitter.com/RQ27f8CdJl
However, the opening goal gave Angers a boost, as they sprang into life, eager to do all they could to get back on level terms. Mohammed Salisu first had to intervene with authority to prevent Cherif from equalising. Then it was the centre forward who reigned supreme, getting the better of the Ghanaian defender and beating the Swiss goalkeeper (85′). This was the 13th goal conceded in Ligue 1 by ASM, who have been unable to keep a clean sheet since the start of the campaign. This was enough to upset the plans of their new coach, who was hoping to secure his first victory in his new colours.
Pocognoli’s debrief
After the match, Pocognoli did not hide his frustration. “There is disappointment. We wanted to bring home the three points. Angers played a good match – were united, very well organised. But there are good things to remember in terms of structure and chances created. The physical impact and pressing were good at times, but if there is disappointment, there are some positive points in relation to what I want to put in place,” he explained to the Ligue 1+ broadcaster.
Champions League on the horizon
With this share of the points, Monaco misses the opportunity to climb back onto the Ligue 1 podium (14 points). The level will rise significantly next Wednesday with their third Champions League match, which sees them take on Tottenham Hotspur at the Stade Louis-II (9 p.m.).