Stade Rennais FC vs Monaco preview - Jardim calls for focus on Reims

Monaco may have a Champions League quarter-final against Juventus to look forward to, but coach Leonardo Jardim has warned them not to overlook Reims on Sunday.

Monaco hung on against Arsenal in midweek, losing 2-0 at home on the night but advancing thanks to the away goals rule, to reach the last eight of the Champions League.

But, while the club's hierarchy and their fans were watching Friday's draw, the players were preparing for Sunday's clash with a Reims side still fighting to stay clear of the relegation battle.

"We need to forget the Champions League and focus on Sunday's game," said defender Ricardo Carvalho. "This is our priority."

Jardim has told his players they cannot afford to underestimate their opponents.

"Football is about passion, it is not logical," he said. "Just because we have beaten Arsenal, it does not mean we will beat Reims.

"I respect Reims. They are a great team, but as always our ambition is to win."

Monaco begin the weekend four points off a return to the Champions League, but also needing to build on back-to-back league victories to keep St Etienne and Bordeaux behind them in the battle for a Europa League spot.

Reims, who lost 3-1 to Montpellier last time out, should prove easy meat, but Jean-Luc Vasseur's side are scrapping for every point as they sit six clear of the bottom three.

"Our destiny is in our hands," Vasseur said on the club website. "We will not let it go. The squad has the capacity to succeed, but must remain vigilant. Victories will give us more confidence than we have now."