Thursday, April 20, 2017

Monaco won't change approach for Champions League semi-final, says Leonardo Jardim

Leonardo Jardim insists his side will attack in semi-final
Leonardo Jardim insists his side will attack in semi-final

Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim insists his side will continue to play on the front foot after beating Borussia Dortmund to reach the Champions League semi-finals.

The principality side beat Dortmund 3-1 in the quarter-final second leg to secure a 6-3 aggregate win as they scored at least three goals for the fifth consecutive time in Europe's premium club competition.

"It could have been 5-3 or 6-3 because both teams missed several chances," the Jardim told a news conference.

The Ligue 1 leaders, the first team in the Champions League to reach the last four after going through two preliminary rounds, had the game almost wrapped up after early goals by youngster Kylian Mbappe and Colombian striker Radamel Falcao.

"We knew that they give a lot of space and we took advantage from it," Jardim said. "Now, regardless of who we will take on next, we will be facing a very experienced team."

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Monaco, however, will not change their approach ahead of a possible semi-final against Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid or Juventus.

"Tonight we played a very solid game, we were in control but we showed ambition. We were always looking for the extra goal, that is the way we play, it is in our DNA," Jardim said.

"Our rivals will want to draw us (on Friday) but our ambition is to enjoy it and play __with our attacking qualities like we always do."

Monaco next take on Lyon in Ligue 1 on Sunday as they look to stay three points ahead of champions Paris St-Germain.