French club Monaco have been going through a troubled spell over the last few months. After selling a number of important players like James Rodriguez, they have also allowed the likes of Radamel Falcao to leave on a temporary basis.

Even though they came close to winning the title last season under Claudio Ranieri, severe budget cuts are taking place at the club. This has seen them perform poorly in the last few weeks. Manager Leonardo Jardim is struggling to motivate his players to perform well. He has said that the squad must work a lot harder if they are to come close to challenge for the league title.

The prospect of winning the French league looks already out of hands, as they are an incredible 10 points behind table leaders Marseille. Despite this, Jardim is feeling confident that the club can at least reach the top three in the table, which would be enough to see them continue in the Champions League. Monaco recently went through four matches without a defeat but that spell came to an end after a 1-0 defeat against Portuguese outfit Benfica. Ahead of the weekend’s match with Saint Etienne,Jardim has tried to motivate his players by saying that the Champions League qualification places still remain within the grasp but only if the players work harder.

"It was a tough match against Benfica.The difference was on efficiency, this is our current problem.The team needs to work to be more effective. Saint-Etienne are a very strong team that plays with a great atmosphere at home.

My attackers have different qualities that offer me several solutions in every game. Our goal is to make a good game and win," said Jardim. Monaco have managed only 5 wins in the league out of the 12 matches they have played.