Getafe CF replace Inter Milan as Monaco’s final high-profile opponents at Stade Louis II before the start of the competitive season.
A year ago, just one week before the Ligue 1 campaign got under way, ASM suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to the reigning Champions League runners-up in their only pre-season fixture at Louis II.
That evening marked Lukáš Hrádecký’s debut, Maghnes Akliouche scored a superb goal, and Paul Pogba was presented to Monaco supporters for the first time.
Thursday night’s meeting with the Madrid club, who finished seventh in La Liga last season, should offer fresh indications of where Filipe Luís’ side stands, two weeks before the first leg of their UEFA Conference League play-off, and the Brazilian coach’s first competitive match in charge.
Abline Set for First Appearance
Rested against Cercle Brugge last Friday (2-2) to continue working on his fitness, Matthis Abline could make his Monaco debut after completing his first full training session on Wednesday.
Signed from Nantes in a deal worth €25 million plus €5 million in bonuses, the striker has become the symbol of Monaco’s summer rebuild.
The biggest question is how Filipe Luís intends to use him.
Will he partner Mika Biereth up front? Will Aleksandr Golovin, who has operated as a second striker throughout pre-season, move back to the wing in a 4-4-2 system?
With Monaco’s preferred shape still evolving, Abline’s contribution, both in and out of possession, will be watched closely.
Filipe Luís admitted he was not satisfied with what he saw against Cercle Brugge.
His side lacked attacking cohesion and combinations going forward, while defensively they looked vulnerable on the counter-attack.
Like Monaco, Getafe will begin their league campaign on August 20.
The Spanish club has benefited from greater continuity, with José Bordalás in charge since 2023.
Unlike ASM, who will head to England for a training camp from August 8 to 14, Getafe have already completed theirs, near Alicante.
