Lille OSC manager Paulo Fonseca heavily criticised the state of AS Monaco’s pitch following the Les Dogues’ goalless draw at the Stade Louis II on Saturday.
In the face of a drought in the region, water restrictions came into place in the Principality on Saturday, which meant that the turf of the Stade Louis II couldn’t be watered between 8am and 8pm. The effect of this decision was felt on the pitch, with the dry surface creating a slow game, to the advantage of the defending team.
“We had to adapt to the pitch and play a bit differently,” said former Manchester United midfielder Angel Gomes post-match. His manager was much more critical. “I don’t know why the pitch wasn’t watered,” began Fonseca, in a post-match press conference, attended by Get French Football News.
“The playing conditions weren’t good. All season, we’ve played on great pitches. It’s impossible to play quickly on a pitch like that. The LFP should look at its own rules again if they want a spectacle. In such conditions, it is easier for the defending team,” he added.
Monaco manager Philippe Clement was also critical of the dry pitch, which disrupted his game plan. “I was also surprised that the pitch hadn’t been watered before the match. It was decided by the government and I’m not happy because I wanted to play quicker, but in the region, there is a problem with water currently. We tried to create chances, but the pitch wasn’t working in our favour either,” said the Belgian manager.
Monaco have just one more home match before the end of the season, against FC Toulouse on 3rd June.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
