Stade Rennais vs Monaco - Jardim tells Monaco to enjoy first match as Ligue 1 champions

Posted Saturday, May 20, 2017 by PA

Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim wants his players to enjoy their Ligue 1 finale at Rennes after clinching a first top-flight championship in 17 years.

A 2-0 victory over St Etienne at Stade Louis II on Wednesday proved enough for Monaco's to take the silverware ahead of Paris St Germain, who had been looking to secure a fifth consecutive title.

Jardim, whose side also reached the semi-finals of the Champions League before being knocked out by Juventus, feels the team deserve to play with freedom at Roazhon Park.

"It's a match to enjoy tomorrow, there is no pressure from the result," Jardim said on Friday.

"The record of points and goals are already secured, so this will be a game to enjoy."

Monaco will return home for a title party on Sunday, with US rapper 50 Cent performing at the Espace Fontvieille venue in the principality.

There has been plenty of speculation over the long-term futures of Jardim and his young, exciting players, including rising star Kylian Mbappe.

For now, though, Jardim wants to revel in their achievements together.

"There is a strong relationship with my players. I love this group," he said. "The important thing is the passion and ambition in your work, to play to win and do it right."

Mbappe netted his 15th league goal against St Etienne and has been linked with a big-money move to the English Premier League.

Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev, however, is determined the highly-rated 18-year-old France forward will be staying put.

"He has no price, Kylian Mbappe. Unless he wants to leave then we will discuss it, but for us there is no amount of money that will make us sell him," Vasilyev told broadcaster SFR Sport.

"My desire is that he stays for at least one more season with us, that he continues his fantastic progress and that he helps us to continue to dream bigger and to have results on the football pitch."

Rennes coach Christian Gourcuff hopes his players will also be able to make the most of the occasion as they finish in mid-table.

He said on www.staderennais.com: "Monaco have to be congratulated for their season. For us, it is an opportunity to show what we know we can do.

"Monaco will have no pressure, so it is nice to finish the season like that."