Lorient vs Monaco preview - ASM face 'biggest game of season'

Posted Saturday, May 23, 2015 by PA

Leonardo Jardim has cautioned Monaco there must be no let-up as Champions League qualification is decided on Ligue 1's final day.

ASM lead Marseille and St Etienne by two points in the chase for third place and the right to join Lyon and champions Paris St Germain in Europe's elite competition.

Jardim, quoted on the website of opponents Lorient, said: "Tomorrow evening at Lorient is the most important match of the season.

"It is imperative that we take the three points to keep third place. I don't think a draw will be enough.

"Lorient are a good team who are good on the ball. They came to us and won on the first day of the season. It will be a difficult match. We need all the players to give 100 per cent on the pitch.

"Monaco, to win, must show professionalism and a good attitude."

Lorient will do likewise after coach Sylvain Ripoll promised they will seek to make life difficult for Monaco.

Safe from relegation with a match to spare and able to finish as high as 12th depending on results elsewhere, they will be able to play without pressure on Saturday.

And Ripoll said: "We can free our energies and do what it takes to bring pleasure to our fans, who have supported us through a difficult season.

"There are also consequences for what place we can chase in the table - and also respecting the ethics of the championship, that is normal."

Jardim will not be able to call on central defenders Andrea Raggi and Aymen Abdennour, due to suspension and injury respectively, or youngster Almamy Toure. Wallace is set to partner Ricardo Carvalho.

Lorient will be without midfielder Mathieu Coutadeur and forwards Benjamin Jeannot, Valentin Lavigne and Fabien Robert due to injury.