Monaco vs Lille OSC - Monaco boss Jardim sounds title warning



Posted Saturday, May 13, 2017 by PA

Leonard Jardim believes it is premature to talk of Monaco as Ligue 1 champions and has urged his players to ignore the hype.

The principality club are closing in on their first title since 2000 and currently require seven points from their final three games to make it a mathematical certainty.

They continue their quest at home to Lille on Sunday and boss Jardim wants his squad fully focused on completing the job.

"My message to the players is not to listen to the atmosphere, the people," he told the club's official website.

"Soccer is only on the ground, we are close but nothing is done, we have to continue our way, our work.

"As long as we are not champions, we must remain concentrated.

"Outside, there are congratulations. But that is not to know football. This is my experience talking."

Monaco are currently three points ahead of holders Paris St Germain and also have a game in hand on their rivals.

They could be crowned champions this weekend, if second-placed PSG, who play at St Etienne, fail to at least match their result.

Portuguese manager Jardim believes ending the Parisians four-year domestic dominance in France would be a major achievement for his players.

"This title may be the biggest title of most players and staff members so far," he added. "It's worth it to be concentrated to the end to go get it.

"The most important is the match, not what happens around or on the other field. The important thing is to put all our energy on the game."

Monaco host St Etienne in midweek before completing the season at Rennes next Saturday.

Jardim, who saw his side beaten by Juventus in the Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday, called on the club's fans to help the team end the campaign with silverware, but refused to speak about his own future.

"I hope a full stadium with a lot of support from them in the last two home games," he added.

"The future? All my energy is focused on the end of the season not on what will happen next. The only thing that matters to me is my work."

Mid-table Lille have little left to play for, although interim manager Franck Passi has demanded an improvement on last weekend's 2-0 home loss to Metz.

"On Saturday, we lacked efficiency, we made a mistake in the last 30 metres," he told reporters at his pre-match press conference. "We're working to not do that again.

"I told the players things. Players must be responsible."



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