Monaco Sack Coach Pocognoli After Poor Ligue 1 Finish

French Ligue 1 club, Monaco, have confirmed the dismissal of Belgian coach, Sebastien Pocognoli, after less than eight months in charge of the club.

Naija News reports that the club announced the decision on Monday, bringing an end to Pocognoli’s short spell following a disappointing campaign that saw Monaco finish seventh in Ligue 1.

The result meant the club missed out on qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League, although they secured a place in the UEFA Conference League play-offs.

In a statement confirming the development, Monaco said, “AS Monaco announces the end of its collaboration with Sebastien Pocognoli at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 season.”

Pocognoli, 38, still had one year left on his contract but could not survive the club’s failure to secure a top-three finish in the French top flight.

The former Belgium international joined Monaco last October from Union Saint-Gilloise, replacing Adi Hutter as head coach.

After a difficult start to his reign, Pocognoli appeared to have steadied the team and guided Monaco back into contention for Champions League qualification.

The club went on a 10-match unbeaten run, raising hopes that they could finish among the top three and return to Europe’s elite club competition.

However, a poor end to the season proved costly, with Monaco eventually settling for seventh place.

Pocognoli’s exit also affects his backroom team, as his two assistants, Kevin Mirallas and Artur Kopyt, have also left the club.

Three other staff members had earlier been dismissed in recent days, signalling a broader shake-up at the club after the disappointing end to the campaign.

The latest decision underlines Monaco’s determination to make changes ahead of next season as they seek to return to the Champions League places.

Meanwhile, several media reports have linked former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid defender, Filipe Luis, with the vacant managerial position.

The 40-year-old is said to be the leading candidate to replace Pocognoli.

Filipe Luis left Brazilian side Flamengo in March after guiding the club to Copa Libertadores success last year.

Monaco are expected to move quickly in appointing a new manager as preparations begin for the 2026-2027 season and their UEFA Conference League play-off campaign.