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๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Sports

Ligue 1: Monaco sack coach Pocognoli

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • AS Monaco has terminated the contract of Belgian coach Sebastien Pocognoli after less than eight months.
  • Pocognoli's departure follows a seventh-place Ligue 1 finish, missing out on Champions League qualification.
  • The club secured a spot in the UEFA Conference League play-offs, but Pocognoli leaves with his assistants and other staff members.

AS Monaco has sacked Belgian coach Sebastien Pocognoli, ending his tenure after just under eight months. The French club announced the decision on June 1, 2026, citing the team's seventh-place finish in Ligue 1, which resulted in missing out on Champions League football for the upcoming season.

Pocognoli, 38, was appointed in October 2025, replacing Adi Hutter. Despite a challenging start, he led Monaco to a 10-match unbeaten run, bringing them into contention for a top-three finish. However, a poor run of form towards the end of the campaign ultimately cost them a Champions League spot.

While the club secured a place in the UEFA Conference League play-offs, this was not enough to save Pocognoli's job. He departs along with his two assistants, Kevin Mirallas and Artur Kopyt. Three other staff members were also dismissed in recent days as the club seeks a new direction.

Media reports suggest that former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid defender Filipe Luis, who left Flamengo in March after winning the Copa Libertadores, is the favorite to take over the managerial position at Monaco.

AS Monaco announces the end of its collaboration with Sebastien Pocognoli at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 season

โ€” AS Monacoofficial statement announcing the termination of the coach's contract
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.