Kapitel 13: The New Monaco
At Monaco's training ground, the players listened intently to Situ Yunbing's instructions, meticulously following his training regimen. Most of the squad was made up of young, hungry players around the age of 20, and the recent victory over Marseille had infused them with a renewed sense of belief. Confidence was running high, and the team had begun to resemble a new, more united force.
For the club, this felt like a rebirth—an opportunity to start fresh and build something special.
Alonzo had quickly proven his worth within the coaching staff, particularly when it came to his scouting work. Two days before the League Cup match, he placed a detailed analysis report of Paris Saint-Germain's performances so far this season on Situ Yunbing's desk.
Situ Yunbing wasn't surprised by the quality of the work. He had handpicked Alonzo for this exact role, trusting him with the crucial task of scouting opponents. What was perhaps more surprising was the growing admiration the rest of the coaching staff had for the 18-year-old analyst. Alonzo, though young, was starting to win the respect and approval of everyone around him.
As for Paris Saint-Germain, the club had endured several years of instability and financial difficulty. Their squad wasn't as deep or as fresh as some of their rivals. This season, they were relying heavily on aging stars signed during the summer to carry the team's burden. Veterans like Jérôme Rothen, Ludovic Giuly, and Claude Makelele were now key figures, tasked with steadying the ship.
In the six league games since the start of the season, Paris Saint-Germain had recorded 3 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses—a decent but not spectacular performance. However, their commitment to the Europa League, alongside domestic duties, had started to expose their vulnerabilities. The age of their core players meant they struggled to cope with the physical demands of fighting on multiple fronts. In their most recent league match, PSG had lost away to Saint-Étienne, a result that highlighted their weaknesses.
With the League Cup clash at Louis II Stadium fast approaching, it was unlikely that PSG would field their strongest lineup. The demands of their two-front battle meant that rotation was almost inevitable, and they would likely rest key players to prioritize more significant competitions.
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...
On the evening of September 24, as Situ Yunbing entered the Louis II Stadium in Monaco, he deliberately scanned the stands, checking the attendance. Three of the four stands were almost entirely empty, but the main stand held a small crowd of about 4,000 fans.
Given that it was a weeknight game, he knew the number of traveling fans from Paris Saint-Germain would be minimal. Most of the attendees were likely local Monaco supporters.
Situ breathed a quiet sigh of relief. He had feared stepping into an empty stadium—something that would have been deeply demoralizing. Although the turnout was still significantly below the average, the fact that fans had come at all meant that resistance against him was weakening.
Even more encouraging was the absence of boos and jeers. After the victory against Marseille the previous weekend, it seemed the attitude of Monaco fans toward him had softened.
As he took his place in the home team's technical area, Situ Yunbing glanced over at the visitor's bench, where Paris Saint-Germain's coaching staff sat. Their head coach, Paul Le Guen, sat calmly, watching the field. Le Guen, who had been instrumental in Lyon's early dominance in Ligue 1, had a calm demeanor. Despite his success with Lyon, Le Guen's career had seen ups and downs since leaving the club.
But Situ Yunbing wasn't interested in a battle of personalities. His eyes drifted to PSG's bench, where he spotted some of their regular starters, including Stéphane Sessegnon, their number 10, and right-back Ceará. However, many of the usual starters were absent.
It was clear that Le Guen wasn't prioritizing this League Cup match. Many of PSG's stars had not even made the squad for the trip.
The teams lined up for kickoff, and Situ focused intently on Paris Saint-Germain's lineup. Mickaël Landreau started in goal, while Grégory Bourillon, Zoumana Camara, Larrys Mabiala, and Sylvain Armand formed the backline. In midfield, they fielded Peguy Luyindula, Jérémy Clément, Youssuf Mulumbu, and Jérôme Rothen, with Mateja Kežman and Fabrice Pancrate leading the attack.
Situ Yunbing exhaled slowly. Several key players were missing, and it was obvious Le Guen wasn't going all out. This wasn't a match for revenge after their narrow 1-0 loss to Monaco in the league's opening round. PSG had bigger priorities, focusing on the Ligue 1 and the Europa League.
Monaco had also made rotations. Ruffier started in goal, with Adriano, Modesto, Mangani, and Muratori in defense. The midfield consisted of Gakpé, Gosso, Meriem, Nkoulou, and Mollo, while Nimani spearheaded the attack in a lone striker role.
Situ had made a few tactical adjustments. He moved the versatile Mangani to the backline for extra stability, while Nkoulou was deployed in a defensive midfield role to make use of his speed and physicality. This setup gave Monaco more defensive resilience while freeing up Nkoulou to break up PSG's attacks from midfield.
As the match kicked off, Paris Saint-Germain started cautiously, focusing their efforts on wing play, with the midfield acting primarily as support. Their reliance on central playmakers like Clément was limited by Monaco's compact formation.
Monaco, by contrast, started aggressively. Jérôme Rothen, who was once hailed as the "French Beckham" for his deadly crosses from the left flank, was met with fierce resistance. Gakpé, Adriano, and Gosso swarmed him, forcing him to release the ball under pressure. He managed to pass to Pancrate, who flicked it to Kežman, but Mangani immediately closed in, dispossessing him before he could create any danger.
Moments later, Monaco launched a swift counter-attack. Muratori delivered a sharp pass from the left, sending Mollo sprinting down the wing. Faced with Bourillon, Mollo feinted a cut inside, only to juke back outside, leaving the defender flat-footed as he surged forward.
The fans responded with applause, appreciating Mollo's pace and skill.
Situ Yunbing watched closely from the sidelines, satisfied with Mollo's performance. Before the match, he had attached a player card to Mollo, enhancing his abilities. The card, modeled after Wendel, one of the top dribblers and crossers in Ligue 1 last season, gave Mollo an extra edge. The young winger was up against a defender playing out of position, and Situ knew this was an area where Monaco could exploit PSG's vulnerabilities.
Mollo sent a perfect cross into the box. Nimani timed his run and connected with a powerful header, aiming for the near post. The crowd rose in anticipation, but Landreau, ever the experienced keeper, made a stunning one-handed save, pushing the ball wide for a corner.
Situ's hands shot up in excitement, only to quickly grab his head in disbelief. He clapped vigorously, shouting encouragement to his players. The intensity in the opening minutes had been excellent.
On the PSG bench, Le Guen furrowed his brow. It was clear that Monaco had come out stronger, dictating the tempo and pace of the game.
In the 5th minute, PSG tried to break Monaco's pressing game by building through the middle. However, Clement, under pressure from Gosso, found himself running straight into a tackle from Nkoulou, who cleanly dispossessed him. Without hesitation, Monaco switched into a rapid counter-attack. Meriem pushed forward, beating Mulumbu with a clever diagonal pass to Mollo, who was now tearing down the left wing again.
Mollo passed the ball to Nimani, who controlled it under pressure from Camara. With a quick turn, he slid a through ball into the left side of the box where Mollo had continued his run. Mabiala, the only defender in position, blocked Mollo's crossing angle, but Mollo cut the ball back diagonally across the box.
As PSG's defense scrambled to cover Meriem and Nimani, they left space wide open on the right side. Gakpé sprinted in, meeting the ball with a powerful header that soared toward the top-right corner of the net.
This time, Landreau couldn't reach it.
The Louis II Stadium erupted in cheers as Monaco took the lead.
Situ Yunbing clenched his fists and pumped the air, gritting his teeth in celebration. The early pressure had paid off!
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...
"Gakpé scores with a brilliant header! An incredible finish! Monaco strikes with a lightning-fast counterattack at home!
Both teams have rotated their lineups, but it's Monaco who looks sharp and in-form at the Louis II Stadium!
Paris Saint-Germain, on the other hand, seem out of sync with the pace of the game. Perhaps they didn't anticipate being dominated like this away from home. From the very first wave of attacks, Monaco has looked the more dangerous side.
In their last match against Marseille, Monaco left a lasting impression with their strong defense and rapid transitions from defense to attack. Even with today's rotation, they've maintained that intensity, and in fact, they might even be performing better than before!
Their defense has been impenetrable, making it difficult for PSG to even reach dangerous areas near the goal. And while they've stifled their opponent's attacks, Monaco has launched devastating counterattacks with speed and precision.
There's no question that this transformation is the work of Monaco's new coach, Situ Yunbing. We've never seen Monaco play with such tactical discipline and ferocious counterattacking before!
Monaco now leads Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 at home, and they're in full control."
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...
The Monaco fans were ecstatic. As Gakpé's header found the back of Paris Saint-Germain's net, the stadium erupted in celebration. In that moment, any lingering doubts about Situ Yunbing were forgotten. The fans were swept away by the joy and passion of the goal, fully immersed in the excitement.
On the touchline, Situ Yunbing laughed openly as he watched Gakpé embrace Mollo in celebration. The infectious energy of the team spread to him, and he clapped and laughed along, savoring the moment. It was clear that the bond between the players was growing, and it filled him with pride.
Across the pitch, Paris Saint-Germain's bench was a stark contrast. The early goal hit them like a bolt of lightning. While Le Guen might not have placed too much emphasis on this League Cup match—focusing instead on the league—conceding so early had still rattled him. He quickly stood up from the bench and moved to the sidelines, gesturing for his players to steady the ship. His experience told him that the early signs were ominous, and he could already sense that Monaco's intense start might force PSG to play more cautiously.
In the royal box, De Bontin watched the game alone, his eyes fixed on the field. When Monaco scored, he couldn't help but stand up and applaud. From his elevated position, overlooking the entire pitch, he could see the bigger picture. There was no denying it—Monaco had changed. The team seemed more dynamic, more focused, and far more driven than they had been in recent weeks.
Yet, despite his cautious optimism, De Bontin knew better than to draw conclusions from one or two matches. While this victory—and the previous one against Marseille—had shown signs of a turnaround, he remained watchful. Paris Saint-Germain hadn't fielded their strongest side; several key players were missing, and some hadn't even made the trip to Monaco.
For now, De Bontin kept his excitement tempered, knowing that the true test for Situ Yunbing and the team was yet to come.
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After the game restarted, Monaco maintained high morale, seizing the momentum. Paris Saint-Germain tried to regain control by slowing the pace and patiently organizing their offense, but Monaco's relentless pressing from the forward line made it nearly impossible for PSG to hold possession comfortably in their own half. Under pressure, they were forced to send long balls forward, bypassing the midfield.
Each time PSG attempted a pass, Monaco's midfield was quick to intercept, launching rapid counterattacks. In the 11th minute, Meriam delivered a pass from the edge of the penalty area to Nimani, who unleashed a powerful shot. Landreau, PSG's experienced goalkeeper, stretched to his limit but couldn't get a hand to the ball. The stadium held its breath as the ball whizzed past the post, missing by inches!
The Monaco fans groaned in frustration, so close to doubling their lead.
On the touchline, Situ Yunbing remained composed. Unlike his previous games, where he would have been swept up in emotional highs and lows, this time he kept his focus sharp. He knew that as a coach, he couldn't afford to waste energy on every missed chance. His job was to guide, to adjust, to see where the game was unfolding and where his team might be exposed.
After the attack, Situ quickly gestured for his players to fall back, tightening up the defensive shape. He pointed out potential weak spots, ensuring the team stayed compact and disciplined. The transition between attack and defense was a crucial period, and Situ Yunbing knew that maintaining the balance between spreading wide in attack and contracting tightly in defense was key to keeping control of the match.
This was Situ's style—striking quickly and decisively when the opponent was out of position. If PSG couldn't adjust quickly enough to Monaco's rapid transitions, opportunities would continue to present themselves.
On the opposite side, Le Guen paced uneasily. He could sense the growing pressure on his team. Monaco's style was pragmatic, but it wasn't the typical sit-back-and-wait defensive approach. Their pressing and counterattacking had a sharpness that cut through PSG's attempts to regain rhythm. It was refreshing, a more aggressive take on the French league's typical play.
In the 19th minute, Moreau surged down the left flank once again, taking on Bourillon. After being beaten repeatedly, an angry and frustrated Bourillon resorted to a rough challenge, sliding in recklessly and bringing Moreau down to the ground. Situ Yunbing's heart skipped a beat as he watched Moreau collapse, fearing the worst. His eyes were locked on his winger, but when Moreau stood up unharmed, he exhaled in relief.
Monaco earned a free-kick from the foul. Meriam stepped up to take it, carefully eyeing his target. As the ball sailed through the air, it was aimed toward the back post, where Nimani, marked by PSG's defenders, had drawn attention with his towering 1.9-meter frame. But PSG's defense failed to track the run of the young Nkoulou, who rose above Armand and met the ball with a powerful header!
The ball flew past Landreau and into the back of the net.
As the stadium erupted in cheers, Situ Yunbing turned to Alonzo and jumped, embracing him with a mix of joy and disbelief. The tactical work had paid off, and Monaco now held a commanding lead over Paris Saint-Germain.
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"Nkoulou! The 18-year-old defender rises to the occasion and delivers a crucial header, putting Monaco 2-0 ahead!
Once again, it was Meriam who provided the assist, sending a well-placed free-kick into the box, and Monaco capitalized on Paris Saint-Germain's aerial weaknesses. Both of Monaco's goals today have come from headers, which highlights a glaring issue in PSG's defense—they're struggling to deal with balls in the air.
But I want to take a moment to highlight Mollo. It was his clever play that earned the free-kick leading to this goal. Earlier, he provided the assist for Gakpé's opener. The young left midfielder has been outstanding, showing confidence in his dribbling and consistently breaking down Bourillon on the wing. Bourillon just can't seem to cope with Mollo's pace and trickery!
Monaco's coach, Situ Yunbing, made a bold decision by sending 8 key players to the reserves, choosing to put his faith in the younger talents. And these youngsters have certainly left a lasting impression on us today: Nimani, Gakpé, Mollo, Nkoulou, and even Mangani have all stood out.
If they continue to perform at this level, these young players could very well be seen as the future of Monaco's revival!"
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With a two-goal lead, Situ Yunbing knew better than to relax. Despite Paris Saint-Germain's sluggish start, the game was far from over. There was still a long way to go, and he needed his team to stay focused, keep their intensity, and continue pressuring their opponents relentlessly.
The fans in the stands began to find their rhythm, cheering in unison for Monaco. The energy from the crowd echoed across the pitch, feeding into the players' and coaches' fighting spirit. The electric atmosphere seemed to lift the entire team.
Though Situ Yunbing appeared composed on the outside, inside he felt an overwhelming excitement—a fiery energy that made him want to dive into the Mediterranean Sea on this cool autumn night. That same energy translated onto the pitch, as Monaco's players seemed unstoppable, running tirelessly like perpetual motion machines, pressing with even more aggression.
Paris Saint-Germain, feeling the pressure, began retreating, tightening their defense and pulling their lines closer together in an attempt to stabilize their attacks. However, under the relentless pressing and counter-attacking of Monaco, they struggled to move through the midfield. PSG's attempts to build an attack were frequently disrupted, and crossing into Monaco's half became an increasingly difficult task.
Monaco was thriving, creating dangerous opportunities with every successful high press. Mollo, playing out of his skin, continued sending dangerous crosses into the box from the left. Meriam often drifted toward Mollo to combine with him, strengthening the link-up play on that side of the field.
After 30 minutes, Monaco was bombarding PSG's penalty area with waves of attacks. Gosso unleashed a powerful long-range shot, forcing Landreau into a save, but Meriam, lurking in the penalty area, followed up with another effort. This time, Landreau managed to parry it, and just when it seemed Monaco might add another, Mabiala stretched out his leg at the last moment to block the shot.
Realizing that Mollo was drawing more attention and being tightly marked, Adriano and Gakpé began shifting the attack to the right side. Their combination play opened up new spaces for Monaco to exploit.
In the 39th minute, Gakpé received a cross from Nimani on the right side of the penalty area. With a clever flick, he turned and rolled the ball into the open space on the right. Adriano sprinted in from the wide position and, just before reaching the baseline, cut the ball back across the box.
In perfect timing, Nimani, using his long frame, slid in from behind Mabiala, striking the ball into Paris Saint-Germain's net!
The stadium erupted as Monaco took a commanding 3-0 lead. In frustration, Landreau angrily picked up the ball from the back of the net and booted it away in disgust, powerless to stop the tide of Monaco's momentum.
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"Nimani goes for the sliding shot! Oh my word, what a finish! Monaco is absolutely on fire!
We're not even at halftime yet, and Monaco has stormed into a commanding 3-0 lead against Paris Saint-Germain at the Louis II Stadium!
But is this the same Paris Saint-Germain that they expected to face? No, they're up against a team transformed—a group of fierce, relentless beasts!
After that emphatic win over Marseille, Monaco is now unleashing that same wild intensity in front of PSG! Their fans, who once resisted and doubted their coach, Situ Yunbing, are now cheering with all their might. The division that existed between the supporters and the coach has dissolved. How could it not? This Monaco team, with such raw energy and passion, deserves every bit of praise!
The debate about Situ Yunbing's future at Monaco seems to have already reached its conclusion. His impact on this team is undeniable.
Look at him now, fully immersed in the match, passionately directing his team from the sidelines. He's no longer an outsider—he's become a critical force driving this team. His presence is essential; it's impossible to ignore the role he's playing in Monaco's revival.
But what's even more remarkable is the source of this fighting spirit. It wasn't just the team that ignited Situ Yunbing—it was Situ who unexpectedly lit a fire within Monaco! A coach who could have easily given up after facing so much resistance instead chose to stand tall and fight.
How could anyone even consider firing such a coach? Not only has he refused to give in, but he's also breathed life into this team, unlocking a new level of intensity and belief!"
...
Nimani scored the goal and immediately sprinted toward the corner flag, bursting into an excited dance. His teammates rushed to join him, shouting passionately as they celebrated extending their lead to an unbelievable margin. The joy was palpable—Monaco was on top of the world.
In stark contrast, the Paris Saint-Germain players looked utterly deflated, their morale sinking to new lows. Heads down, frustration and disbelief were etched on their faces. The reality of the match was hitting them hard.
Meanwhile, the Louis II Stadium was alive with thunderous cheers. It had been a long time since this stadium had felt such energy, such passion. The Monaco fans, who had been hesitant to believe in this team at the start of the season, now roared with approval, fully behind their squad.
Who could have imagined it? Monaco—leading Paris Saint-Germain by three goals, and the first half wasn't even over yet!
AUTORENGEDANKEN 
GxDesailly
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