Carvalho: Ligue 1 title tilt is possible

Monaco defender Ricardo Carvalho believes the club have what it takes to win the French title this season.

The Portuguese is one of a number of big-name players to join Claudio Ranieri’s newly promoted side in the close season, with the likes of Radamel Falcao, James Rodriguez and Joao Moutinho also arriving at the Stade Louis II.

Monaco are expected to challenge Paris Saint-Germain for the Ligue 1 crown in their first season back in the top flight, with Carvalho, who joined from Real Madrid in May, setting a clear target.

“The important thing is that we all believe it (the title) is possible,” Carvalho said.

“But we must go step by step, match by match, and try winning our matches because to reach the top you need to go slowly.

“It will be very important for us to win the first few games and build confidence as we want to become a big team, but it’s still early to say anything, we need to win matches before that.”

Monaco’s big-money recruitment drive has sent out a real statement of intent and Carvalho is excited at signing for a club with such lofty ambitions.

He added: “I saw the club’s project and I think I did the best for me.

“Of course these big names bring visibility to the French League, which is every day getting better and bigger.”

Like Carvalho, Nicolas Isimat-Mirin is another new face at Monaco after joining from Valenciennes last month.

The talented France Under-21 international is ready to compete for his place as he said: “I know the challenge here is very ambitious but I am very happy to be part of this project.

“When I’ve heard all these names, that reassured me (it was the right choice to join Monaco). There is a lot of competition here.

“I feel ready for it. It will help me to improve and to learn a lot. I am a Monaco player and I am ready for this challenge. I am a competitor and I am here to do what I have to do.”