Monaco's progression in the UEFA Champions League was a breakthrough
moment for French football, according to coach Leonardo Jardim.
The
club from the principality on the Mediterranean coast secured a berth
in the Champions League's round of 16 on Tuesday, overcoming Zenit 2-0
to clinch top spot in Group C ahead of Bayer Leverkusen, the Russian
outfit and Benfica.
Jardim clearly took some satisfaction in proving Monaco's critics
wrong with his team having won their last two matches in Group C to
storm to the top of the standings.
The win saw two French clubs - Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain - reach
the last 16, the first time that has happened since the 2011-12 season
when Marseille and Lyon progressed.
"This qualification is important for me, but more so for the team,
the principality and French football," Jardim told ligue1.com after the
win over Zenit.
"Two French teams have qualified for the last 16, which is rare. And
remember, in August, Monaco were regarded as the worst team in the
group.
"Revenge? No, but I am happy because we reached our objective.
"The team gave a frank response to the critics, and especially to
people in France who said at the start of the season that we weren't up
to the level needed to qualify."
Having lost key players Radamel Falcao (on loan at Manchester United)
and James Rodriguez (Real Madrid) before the season, Monaco have
struggled to match their success of last campaign, where they pushed PSG
for the Ligue 1 title.
Jardim has come in for criticism in France in his first season in
charge of the club - as they sit seventh in Ligue 1, 12 points behind
leaders Marseille.
But the Portuguese coach played down any stress he has felt over the past six months.
"We finished first because we got more points than the other teams.
It is deserved, we were the best team," the 40-year-old said.
"This will not change Monaco's season. Monaco's season changed in August.
"This match will give the team more confidence. It is a victory first and foremost for the players, and then for the coach.
"When you arrive in a new country it is difficult. But over these six
matches we have succeeded in finishing first in our group where there
were quality teams with great coaches."
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