Qarabag vs Monaco - Jardim warns his side to take Qarabag seriously

Posted Thursday, November 05, 2015 by PA

Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim has warned his side they can afford to take nothing for granted when they face Qarabag in the Azerbaijani capital Baku on Thursday night.

Jardim's men go into the game sitting on top of UEFA Europa League Group J with a late Lacina Traore winner having earned them victory in the reverse fixture last month.

But Qarabag proved they are no pushovers in the group with a victory over Anderlecht in their previous home fixture and Jardim hailed their quality ahead of Monaco's trip east.

Jardim told a press conference: "I have observed Qarabag and their defence and midfield are of good quality.

"Our goal is to respect our opponents but to win this match because it is very important for qualification. We have got to impose ourselves on the game."

Monaco go into the game on the back of three straight wins in all competitions, with their win over the Azeris preceding domestic successes over Reims and Angers.

Meanwhile their opponents are also in fine form after two straight wins cemented their position at the top of the Azerbaijani Premyer Liqa.

Monaco striker Stephan El Shaarawy told a press conference: "It will be different from the first meeting because we are playing away from home.

"We are ready to meet this challenge and we are very well prepared because we know Qarabag have good players and will give us a tough game."