Monaco started the season strongly and even occupied the top spot from the second game week until the fifth, but performances have not been quite as consistent since then. The loss to Reims even saw Les Monégasques drop out of the podium positions. 

‘We really need to make changes’ – Adi Hütter

Speaking to L’Équipe, Hütter was clear in his disappointment over the loss, ‘we’re not in our best physical shape… my message was that we have to quickly get back on track. The first days of this week, we worked a lot on our principles, on our identity.’ 

However, the manager was quick to clarify what he meant by ‘physical shape,’ when explaining why his team lost against Reims. ‘We failed in our principles. We deserved this defeat… we weren’t aggressive enough. Our body language was not good. I had the feeling from the start of the match that we were making easy mistakes in our first touches of the ball, we were not dynamic enough.’ 

Hütter continued that training this week has emphasised ‘more intensity, to find our principles, our aggression, as we did at the start of the season, when we impressed people.’ He was not willing to blame absences within his squad on their decline in performances, ‘we lost a few players, but we are Monaco, we have a very good squad.’ 

On the prospect, that Monaco may field a young team against Rodez, the manager was coy stating only that ‘everything is possible. But we really need to make changes.’

GFFN | Nick Hartland

Talking about his emotions in the aftermath of winning the World Cup, the France captain said “It may be incomprehensible, but it didn’t do much for me. I was too young and so unconscious.” The 25-year-old added, “It was a win that made me happy, but I didn’t realise I had won. I came home quickly in the evening and I didn’t celebrate like crazy.”

Mbappé was instrumental in the 2018 World Cup for Didier Deschamps’ side. Despite just being 18, the former Monaco attacker scored 4 goals during the tournament including his goal in the final which made him the tournament’s youngest scorer in a final since Pélé. He also won the Young Player of the Tournament award.

2022 brought a change of attitude

The Bondy-born attacker reassured that at the 2022 World Cup tournament in Qatar, he adopted a change of attitude. Referencing the 2022 tournament, Mbappé said, “I was much more conscious at the 2022 World Cup. The 2018 World Cup was my first and we won it straight away so it didn’t create any particular emotion. In 2022, there were so many more emotions.”

This change in emotion was clear in Mbappé’s performances at the 2022 World Cup. The France international carried Les Bleus to the final scoring 8 goals including a hat trick in the final but it wasn’t enough to successfully defend their crown as world champions – losing to Argentina on penalties. 

GFFN | Liam Wraith

The fixture had been scheduled to take place on Saturday at 17:30 local time at the Léo Lagrange Stadium, however, heavy snow has fallen in Nortern France in recent hours, making the pitch unplayable, EFAFC said on their social media channels.

New date for postponed fixture yet to be announced

Montpellier confirmed the news, stating that they expect the game to be postponed. Confirmation from the authorities is expected later today. 

A new date for the fixture has not yet been announced. MHSC beat Amiens SC in the last round of the competition (2-1) thanks to an own goal from Youssouf Assogba and a Kelvin Yeboah penalty. EFAFC, meanwhile, advanced thanks to a slender victory over Ligue 2 outfit Quevilly-Rouen. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle

This comes following Rouen setting the price for away fans at €35 per ticket, a fee that Toulouse consider to be ‘unacceptable to our loyal supporters,’ when a travelling supporter would usually expect to pay €10 in Ligue 1. 

Due to this disagreement, Toulouse will look to cover the difference of €25 on each ticket sold in the away stand. 

Le Toulouse Football Club tient à informer que le prix des places en parcage visiteurs pour le 16ème de finale de @CoupeDeFrance #FCRTFC a été fixé à 35€. Nous considérons que ce tarif n'est pas acceptable pour nos fidèles supporters.

En accord avec le tarif de 10€ imposé en… pic.twitter.com/CZv3t9TyAA

— Toulouse FC (@ToulouseFC) January 15, 2024

Rouen fans impacted by the price 

Rouen supporters have also been left disgruntled over the pricing of this match, with tickets within the home section priced upwards of €75. A supporters meeting with the club president, Charles Maarek, could not convince Rouen to change their minds. 

In a report, by Ouest France, those that attended the meeting had this to say, ‘It’s sad because we have the impression that he doesn’t care about the world. The prices we have heard about confirm this. They are exorbitant.’

GFFN | Nick Hartland

National (third-tier) side Orléans haven’t played at their own stadium, La Source, for over a month after an operation to sand the pitch went wrong, instead dispersing shards of glass all over the pitch. In its current state, the pitch is of course unplayable. 

Measures have been taken to allow Orléans to host PSG on Saturday 20th January. The pitch is being entirely redone with a “scalping” taking place. This process was initiated earlier this week. The pitch will then be re-sanded, hopefully, this time without glass, before new rolls of turf arrive on Sunday. 

Turf to be re-laid next week

“We are doing everything to play here,” Orléans’ CEO Reynald Bergues told Le Parisien, adding that weather conditions, must be temperate and dry in order for the turf to be re-laid. It is a race against time, not only is the match against PSG just nine days away, but on Thursday, the host club must confirm the stadium within which the Coupe de France encounter will take place. 

With the laying of the new turf set to be carried out next Wednesday, time is of the essence for Orléans to host Kylian Mbappé and co at La Source in just a matter of days. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle

This Monday night’s round of 16 draw will give us some exciting fixtures between Ligue 1 teams, such as Rennes v Marseille and Clermont v Strasbourg. There will be plenty of giant-killing opportunities too with PSG drawn away to third-tier side US Orléans, Lille set to face Racing Club de France, surprise Ligue 1 package Brest bound to lock horns with Trelissac and a resurgent Lyon side set to face fourth-tier side Bergerac.

The Coupe de France’s round of 16 will take place between Friday, January 19th and Sunday, January 21st

The Coupe de France round of 16 draw in full

• Rennes (L1) – Marseille (L1)
• Feignies-Aulnoye (N2) – Montpellier (L1)
• Nantes (L1) – Laval (L2)
• Orléans (N1) – PSG (L1)
• Le Puy (N2) – Dunkerque (L2)
• Racing Club de France (N2) – Lille (L1)
• Clermont (L1) – Strasbourg (L1)
• Sochaux (N1) – Reims (L1)
• Trelissac (N2) – Brest (L1)
• Rouen (N1) – Toulouse (L1)
• Valenciennes (L2) – Paris FC (L2)
• Bergerac (N2) – Lyon (L1)
• Rodez (L2) – AS Monaco (L1)
• Châteauroux (N1) – Le Havre (L1)
• Saint-Priest (N3) – Romorantin (N2)
• Bordeaux (L2) – Nice (L1)

N1 = 3rd tier, N2 = 4th tier, N3 = 5th tier

GFFN | Bastien Cheval

Textor’s reign as president of OL has not gone to plan thus far, with the club this season embroiled in a battle for survival in Ligue 1. However, there has been a recent change in fortunes, incited by the arrival of Pierre Sage as manager. Les Gones are now on a four-game winning streak, which has not only helped ease fears of relegation, but also secured progression to the next round of the Coupe de France. 

The OL president shared a pint with the travelling fans pre-match before then proceeding to stick a Virage Sud Ultras sticker on the grill of the away end, much to the delight of the Lyon fans, who were egging him on. 

Having watched Lyon beat Pontarlier 3-0, thanks to goals from Rayan Cherki, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Alexandre Lacazette, Textor then celebrated with a post-match trip to McDonald’s.

A normal day in the life of a match-going football fan, but not necessarily in the life of a president, who enjoyed the trip to the Léo-Lagrange de Besançon more than most.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle

Mbappé began the scoring with a low finish on the pivot in the 15th minute, before grabbing his second just before half time : a header which finished off a sumptuous scorpion-flick from Marco Asensio. The PSG top-scorer then added another to complete his hat-trick, a finish into a virtually open net provided again by Asensio. 

PSG Coupe de France top scorer, and levelling Harry Kane

The former AS Monaco youth product became the first player to score 30 goals for a single professional club in the Coupe de France since Delio Onnis with Les Monégasques in 1980. Not only that, he became PSG’s top scorer in the Coupe de France. With the completion of his hat-trick, it pulls his tally to 25 goals for the season, levelling Harry Kane as top scorer in Europe’s top five leagues in 2023-2024. 

GFFN | George Boxall

Their pre-match cry of of “let’s go to war” picked up by BeIN Sports’ microphones seemed to encapsulate Revel’s mindset heading into the first 10 minutes of the game. With PSG only threatening through a long range shot going just wide through Kylian Mbappé, Revel managed to break on a couple of occasions through Pierre Ritter and Jean Boyer on the counter attack after soaking Parisien pressure. 

Marco Asensio’s close range effort was parried away well by Revel keeper Cyril Garcia, then launching a counter attack that saw Pierre Ritter try to lob Keylor Navas from 30 yards. Yet, it was Les Parisiens who made the breakthrough on the 15th minute through Kylian Mbappé, whose low finish was fed through by Carlos Soler. It became the France captain’s 30th goal in the Coupe de France. 

PSG held the ball for long periods of the half, looking to double their lead and getting close on occasion with Nordi Mukiele’s cross almost creeping in and Mbappé skying a glorious chance from the centre of the box. After some energetic pressing from Revel, Les Parisiens would go on to double their lead – an own goal from Maxence N’Guessan who turned in a dangerous ball from Nordi Mukiele from the right side. Mbappé was through once again shortly after the goal, but couldn’t get his shot on target. 

Les Parisiens would go three up  through Asensio who was found down the right (a recurring problem for Revel down the right flank) and finished easily. The highlight of the first period came just before half-time with a spectacular goal from PSG – started via a scooped ball from Carlos Soler which was scorpion-flicked by Asensio into the path of Mbappé for his second goal. Mbappé would complete his hat-rick shortly after the break, with Asensio once again serving the Frenchman with a perfect assist. 

PSG would then go six goals to the good, after Gonçalo Ramos won a penalty on the counter-attack. The Portuguese international then converted, before Randal Kolo Muani would provide the seventh with a finish from the six-yard box. An eighth goal would be added by Cher Ndour with his first goal in PSG colours, a precise finish into the corner inside the box. 

US REVEL SELECTED PLAYER RATINGS

Cyril Garcia, 6 – The Revel shot-stopper had an colossal task on his hand facing the star-studded attack of Les Parisiens. Yet, despite conceding nine against the Ligue 1 Champions Garcia came out with a lot of credit. He was on hand during the first half to stifle what would have been an early flurry of PSG goals, yet the sheer quality of his opponents would come to shine through.   

Maxime Zahil, 5

Pierre Ritter, 6

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN PLAYER RATINGS

Keylor Navas, 5

Nordi Mukiele, 7

Manuel Ugarte, 5

Danilo Pereira , 7

Beraldo, 6 

Cher Ndour, 6

Carlos Soler, 7 

Randal Kolo Muani, 6

Gonçalo Ramos, 4 – Whilst the spotlight was taken from him because of the good performances of those around him, the Portuguese international wasn’t on top form. He did, however, win a penalty and dully converted it on the 70th minute before making way on the bench.

Marco Asensio, 7 – It was assists galore for the Spaniard who was on hand for two Mbappé goals and even got onto the scoresheet himself with a lovely finish past Garcia to put PSG 3-0 ahead before half time 

Kylian Mbappé, 8 – Whilst the Frenchman was slow to get into the game, once he found his gear Mbappé was at his devastating best. The Frenchman opened proceedings with his low trademark finish on the turn, before getting a brace shortly before half-time with a header (finishing off a wonderful scorpion-flicked assist from Asensio). He completed a hat-trick shortly after half-time, finishing off another assist from Marco Asensio. He  become the first player to score 30 goals for a single professional club in the Coupe de France since Delio Onnis with AS Monaco in 1980

GFFN | George Boxall

AS Monaco advanced in the Coupe de France at the expense of RC Lens after an enthralling penalty shootout (2-2, 5-6 pens.), with Brice Samba’s heroics ultimately in vain.

There were no signs of lethargy as Monaco awakened from their winter hibernation with a lightning-fast goal. Florian Sotoca’s pass inside was picked up by Wissam Ben Yedder, whose snap shot beat Samba at the near-post.

Monaco continued to look dangerous in transition and it was another clumsy Sotoca ball that Les Monégasques pounced upon. It was once again Ben Yedder who won it, this time from Neil El Aynaoui, who had been played into danger by Sotoca. Youssouf Fofana played it around the corner for Kassoum Ouattara, whose pin-point ball to the back post was perfectly met by Maghnes Akliouche, who couldn’t miss from just a few yards out. 

However, Lens, who had more difficulty awakening from their winter slumber, grew into the game as the half progressed. Elye Wahi should have done better from a Sotoca ball into the box and Przemyslaw Frankowski then tested his compatriot, Radoslaw Majecki, in the Monaco goal just seconds later. 

Tie goes to penalties

Faitout Maoussa then halved Monaco’s lead, driving into the box and driving a deflected effort past Majecki. Moments later, Les Sang et Or demanded a penalty when Wahi was brought down in the box by Thilo Kehrer. The German international was perhaps lucky, and with VAR not in operation, there was no chance of a reprieve for Lens. The decision infuriated Franck Haise, who was sent off for his protests. 

The half-time break did not hinder Lens’ momentum; Haise’s side were in the ascendancy. Majecki was quick out to deny Wahi from a ball in behind before Maoussa forced the Polish goalkeeper into a save with a well-hit effort across goal. Lens did get their goal, and it was Sotoca who redeemed himself, slotting a shot through Majecki’s legs. 

Lens continued to knock at the door to avoid a penalty shoot-out and El Aynaoui went within inches of settling the tie but with the goal at his mercy, Guillermo Maripán made a crucial recovery. Seconds later, Ben Yedder had a chance of his own, but this time, Samba was down low to his near post to palm the effort around the post. 

The tie therefore went to penalties. Majecki saved the first from Wesley Saïd and Ben Yedder converted to give Monaco the advantage. However, Les Sang et Or fought back with Samba making three saves in a row. But Lens couldn’t capitalise. Angelo Fulgini blasted over and Facundo Medina blasted over, meaning that it went to sudden death. 

Majecki then stepped up again, saving Adrien Thomasson’s effort before Soungoutou Magassa took the winning penalty to send Monaco through. 

Lens player ratings

Brice Samba – 8

At fault for Monaco’s opener, beaten by Ben Yedder at the near post but made a crucial late save from the French forward to take the game to penalties. The France international then almost became the hero, saving three consecutive penalties, but it wasn’t enough with his side failing to make the most of the lifelines that he afforded them.

Facundo Medina – 5

Kevin Danso – 5

Ruben Aguilar – 5

Faitout Maoussa – 5

Neil El Aynaoui – 6

Andy Diouf – 4

Przemyslaw Frankowski – 4

David Pereira Da Costa – 3

Florian Sotoca – 6

The Frenchman made errors on both of Monaco’s goals. His pass inside in the first minute was intercepted by Ben Yedder for the opener before his sloppy, over-weighted pass to El Aynaoui also allowed Ben Yedder to muscle in once again, instigate the vertical counter and double Les Monégasques’ advantage. Workmanlike and threatening throughout down the right, he continued to be a useful asset for his team and made up for his mistakes by netting the equaliser in the second half. 

Elye Wahi – 3

He was too uninvolved once again and lacked his characteristic ruthlessness when handed a couple of decent chances. Wahi has yet to find his rhythm since his summer move from Montpellier. 

Monaco player ratings

Radoslaw Majecki – 8

It was Majecki’s first appearance for Monaco this season and he certainly took his chance to make an impression. In normal time, he stepped up at key moments to make key saves (5) and also showed good anticipation to cut out balls in behind. He then made two crucial saves in the penalty shootout to help his side to a win. It is thanks to the Polish goalkeeper that Monaco will be in the hat for the next round. 

Thilo Kehrer – 4

Not the most convincing debut from the West Ham loanee, who was lucky not to concede a penalty for a sloppy challenge into the back of Wahi. He was too easily bypassed in the first half in particular with Sotoca and Frankowski having a lot of fun down his side. He didn’t have long to acclimatise to his surroundings having only arrived on Friday, which is a major mitigating factor in what was a slightly below-par performance. 

Guillermo Maripán – 5

Soungoutou Magassa – 6

The young Frenchman has been utilised more sparingly in recent weeks, but he put in a solid, error-free performance, before showing excellent character to step up and take the winning penalty. 

Kassoum Ouattara – 6

Having arrived as a ‘joker’ earlier in the season, Ouattara has found game time limited. However, with Ismaïl Jakobs away at the AFCON, the France youth international now gets his chance to impress. He got an assist for Akliouche’s goal and was a general nuisance down the left with his runs around the back line. A promising start for the former SCO Angers full-back.

Denis Zakaria – 5

Youssouf Fofana – 6

Vanderson – 5

Maghnes Akliouche – 5

Wissam Ben Yedder – 6

He has rediscovered his ruthlessness in recent weeks and opened the scoring with a well-taken snapshot just seconds into the encounter and almost got the winner late on. His future at Monaco may be uncertain, but he continues to regularly make the difference for his side. 

Folarin Balogun – 4

GFFN | Luke Entwistle