Ligue 1: Sébastien Pocognoli takes over AS Monaco as PSG remains league leader

AS Monaco officially announced on Saturday evening the appointment of Sébastien Pocognoli as its new head coach, replacing Adi Hütter, who was dismissed a few days earlier. The 38-year-old Belgian tactician, who won the Belgian league last season with Union Saint-Gilloise, has signed with the Monegasque club until June 2027. He arrives with two assistants, including Kevin Mirallas, a former Belgian international striker.

A young and ambitious profile already accustomed to the Belgian top flight, Pocognoli has established a style based on ‘intensity, pressing, and cohesion’ while demonstrating great tactical adaptability. Jonathan Lange, editor-in-chief of La Dernière Heure, notes that ‘the word that best describes him is 'intensity.'’ After a difficult start at Union Saint-Gilloise, he adjusted his approach by focusing on duels and defensive solidity, which ultimately led him to win the Belgian title following an impressive playoff campaign.

Currently fifth in Ligue 1 with 13 points after seven matchdays, AS Monaco is counting on Pocognoli to revitalize a squad that has gone five games without a win across all competitions. The club aims to break away from the mixed legacy of Adi Hütter’s tenure, which was marked by insufficient progress in recent seasons. Pocognoli will lead his first training session on Tuesday ahead of the trip to Angers on October 18, before hosting Tottenham in the Champions League on October 22.

In another development, a report by Sevilla FC—recently revealed by Spanish outlet El Desmarque—accuses key players in Montpellier’s dressing room of subjecting Nigerian striker Akor Adams to psychological abuse during his time at the club. Adams, who joined Montpellier in August 2023 for €4.5 million and now plays for Sevilla, was allegedly pressured by influential teammates to avoid starting matches, contributing to a toxic locker-room atmosphere. Montpellier subsequently endured a difficult season, culminating in relegation to Ligue 2 last spring.

In the overall Ligue 1 standings, Paris Saint-Germain remains at the top with 16 points after a 1-1 draw against Lille last Sunday. PSG leads by just one point over a trio consisting of Olympique de Marseille, RC Strasbourg, and Olympique Lyonnais, who remain in close pursuit. Monaco and Lens follow with 13 points, while clubs like Rennes and Nice are struggling more. The relegation zone is dominated by Metz, still searching for its first win of the season.

Thus, as some clubs struggle to find their rhythm, the Pocognoli era at Monaco begins under demanding circumstances, balancing the need for progress with the urgency of results. His promising track record in Belgium and his demanding style could bring fresh momentum to the Monegasque team during the 2025-2026 season.