PARIS, (MILLAT ONLINE/APP/AFP) – Leonardo Jardim’s Monaco
hold the edge over Paris Saint-Germain in the French title race, but the reigning champions haven’t given up hope of landing a third successive sweep of the domestic trophies.
PSG thrashed Monaco 4-1 at the start of April to retain the French League Cup, and with the principality club prioritising Europe and Ligue 1, Unai Emery’s side will again fancy their chances in Wednesday’s French Cup semi-final.
“This semi-final is an encounter between two very important matches, with only two days’ rest each time,” said Monaco boss Jardim, whose side lead PSG on goal difference with a game in hand in the razor tight title race.
“We don’t have a choice, we’ll have to rotate the squad and save those players who have played the most for Saturday against Toulouse.
“We’re going to use the players who have played sparingly and players from the reserves. There’s mental fatigue as well… the league is the most important competition.”
Not only has Monaco’s brilliant young side fired the club to within sight of a first French crown since 2000, but Jardim’s men are also through to the last four of the Champions League, where they’ll face Juventus for a place in the June 3 final in Cardiff.
PSG’s European dreams were shattered in stunning fashion by Barcelona, but they have reeled off eight victories in succession since their Camp Nou meltdown to revive their campaign.