Monaco isn’t scared of relegation, says Thierry Henry

Monaco does not fear relegation despite their struggles in Ligue 1, according to coach Thierry Henry.

Thierry Henry took charge of Monaco last month.

Monaco coach Thierry Henry insisted his team is not scared of relegation after its poor run in Ligue 1 continued on Saturday.

Mathieu Cafaro’s first-half goal helped Reims edge Monaco 1-0 in a clash which saw both teams finish with 10 men. The result has left the 2016-17 champion with just one win from 12 league games this season and three points adrift of the relegation play-off spot.

'Tough situation'

Henry, who took charge last month, said there was no fear from his team, but he lamented its performance. “I don't think the team are scared [of being relegated] but it is difficult mentally. It’s a tough situation the one we are facing,” he told a news conference.

 

“Now, as I said a lot of times, there is still plenty of points to take. But, of course, if there will be a bigger gap between the teams ahead of us and us, it will start to be difficult. But, one more time, it’s not easy to be in that kind of situation. The week has been good during the training, I won’t say it hasn’t been good, but the game didn’t reflect what happened during this good week. You also have an opponent during the game, of course. Reims was just better than us.”

Monaco played most of the second half against 10 men after Alaixys Romao’s red card, but it had Pele sent off with 19 minutes remaining.