Monaco banks on Brunner, Abline and Balogun to unsettle Lille
The end of Paris Brunner's suspension allows Filipe Luis to have, for the first time this season, his entire offensive arsenal. AS Monaco will face Lille this Sunday at 3 p.m., with Brunner, Abline, Balogun and Fati available, which complicates the task for the Monegasque coach and opposing defenses.
Brunner's Return
Paris Brunner, the terrible child of German football, scored eight goals in nine matches at the start of the season. AS Monaco won eight of its nine games when he was on the pitch, while in his absence the team lost 1‑0 to Lorient and drew 2‑2 with Toulouse. “He’s a boy who sometimes needs to be reined in,” says a regular at La Turbie, recalling the celebration in Strasbourg that earned him a two‑match suspension.
The twenty‑year‑old prospect acknowledges his excesses: “I regret what I did, and I take it as a lesson for the future.” In Europe, he has been limited to the Conference League with two goals and an assist in two matches, and with the German U21 national team he has scored twice in three appearances. His behaviour, sometimes described as “nonchalant” or “unmanageable,” does not prevent him from becoming a dangerous finisher.
Competition in Attack
The Monegasque forwards include Matthis Abline, Myles Balogun, Ansu Fati, Takumi Minamino, Aleksandr Golovin and others. “We have a lot of depth, but it’s a good thing for the work,” notes Abline, emphasizing that competition forces each player to give 100 % every day. The most expensive summer signing in the Principality, Abline, relies on his versatility to retain playing time.
Myles Balogun, injured during the World Cup, has now regained his physical abilities, but his transfer market has been disrupted. In contrast, Biereth is described as a big loser, sportingly relegated after a disappointing season. The duo illustrates the rivalry within the attacking group, where every spot is fiercely contested.
Ansu Fati and Takumi Minamino return after their absences, bringing experience and creativity, while Golovin offers a less “space‑eating” profile. The only unavailable striker remains Idumbo, sidelined with a psoas injury. This bench depth allows Filipe Luis to state: “It’s a good thing, because a coach first and foremost needs quality in his squad to adapt to the match scenario.”
An agent reminds that rotation can demotivate players who see less playing time: “The risk is that those who play less become disengaged and drag the group down.” Filipe Luis nevertheless reassures the squad: “No one complains. Even if no player likes not playing, they understand because they see what their teammates do on the pitch to earn their place.”
The Brazilian coach, from the start of his tenure, said: “If someone is not at the level, he is demoted. You must earn the right to play, regardless of your name, your past or your age, you must prove yourself every week.” He adds that he will not hesitate to field the team without a striker if that serves AS Monaco.
This Sunday, under the eyes of RMC and Maxime Tilliette, Monaco will test its full arsenal against Lille, hoping that Brunner’s presence and the rivalry between Abline, Balogun and Fati will create the expected uncertainty for the opponent. The manager hopes that the variety of offensive options will unsettle Lille’s defenders.