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Monaco take on second-flight Clermont Foot in the Coupe de France quarter-final tonight, while Sedan face Grenoble in an all-Ligue 2 affair.
Despite failing to lift a trophy since he guided Monaco to the Coupe de la Ligue in 2003, Monaco boss Didier Deschamps is making no secret of the fact that finishing as high up as possible in the League remains his priority.
Monaco are currently fourth, a point behind Marseille and a place in next season’s Champions’ League. “If we don’t finish in the top three, winning the Coupe de France will not save our season,” said left-back Patrice Evra, echoing his coach’s thoughts.
Certainly on paper, Clermont do not represent the toughest obstacle, but they knocked out Lyon in the last round and have also beaten Toulouse in the Coupe de la Ligue this season.
Furthermore, Monaco’s form has been poor in recent weeks, and Clermont boss Olivier Chavanon believes an upset is possible. “People are telling us that we’re out before we’ve even kicked a ball,” he said.
“We’ll try to put off going out for as long as possible and, who knows, maybe we’ll even worry Monaco. It’s not realistic but football gives people the chance to dream, so why should we deny ourselves this pleasure.”
Monaco have not won the Coupe de France since 1991.
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