PSG and Monaco renew rivalry in French Cup semi-final
PARIS: Leonardo Jardim’s Monaco hold the edge over Paris St Germain in the French title race, but the reigning champions haven’t given up hope of landing a third successive sweep of the domestic trophies.
PSG thrashed Monaco 4-1 at the start of April to retain the French League Cup, and with the principality club prioritising Europe and Ligue 1, Unai Emery’s side will again fancy their chances in today’s French Cup semi-final.
“This semi-final is an encounter between two very important matches, with only two days’ rest each time,” said Monaco boss Jardim, whose side lead PSG on goal difference with a game in hand in the razor tight title race.
“We don’t have a choice, we’ll have to rotate the squad and save those players who have played the most for Saturday against Toulouse.
“We’re going to use the players who have played sparingly and players from the reserves. There’s mental fatigue as well ... the league is the most important competition.”
Not only has Monaco’s brilliant young side fired the club to within sight of a first French crown since 2000, but Jardim’s men are also through to the last four of the Champions League, where they’ll face Juventus for a place in the June 3 final in Cardiff.
PSG’s European dreams were shattered in stunning fashion by Barcelona, but they have reeled off eight victories in succession since their Nou Camp meltdown to revive their campaign.
A rejuvenated Angel Di Maria has been a central figure in their largely impressive 2017 form, the Argentine contributing 17 goals in 18 matches since the turn of the year.
“During the League Cup final we were at 100%. We played the perfect game, it was an exceptional match,” said Di Maria, who scored one goal and set up two more in the April 1 showpiece. “Against Monaco in the semi-final we must reproduce the same thing. We must give our best, this time at home with our supporters behind us. To reach another final would be even better!”
While Jardim is expected to make wholesale changes for Monaco, PSG will be without Javier Pastore – hurt in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Montpellier – and likely Adrien Rabiot in midfield.
The other semi-final, held on Tuesday, is between Angers and twice former winners Guingamp. – AFP