Pride at stake as Monaco-PSG battle for French Cup title

Pride will be at stake as fallen French giants Monaco and Paris Saint Germain lock horns in the French Cup final on Saturday.

Both sides are desperate to finish their season with some silverware after a lacklustre campaign which sees Monaco sitting in ninth position just two places above PSG in the French first division.

They each have illustrious records in the competition with PSG, the second most titled club after Marseille, bidding for their eighth French Cup and first since 2006.

Monaco have won five times, claiming the first title in their club’s history in the event 50 years ago, and winning their last crown in 1991.

The tie in the Stade de France will be a rematch of the 1985 final which the Riviera outfit won.

Security will be tight for a tie which comes just two days after the dissolution of three of PSG’s supporters groups following clashes in February which resulted in the death of a fan.

Both sides are licking their wounds after poor performances this week with PSG humiliated 4-0 by tailenders Grenoble and Monaco held 1-1 by lowly Le Mans.

PSG coach Antoine Kombouare called on his side to play with pride and guts after ending their run of seven matches without defeat.

“It’s a huge disappointment,” said Kombouare. “But all eyes were already turned towards the French Cup final. Maybe some players were afraid of getting injured or picking up a red card.”

He added: “Saturday against Monaco, it will be another competition.”

Monaco coach Guy Lacombe believes the Parisians were saving their best players for this weekend’s final.

“Saturday’s tie was on everyone’s mind,” said Lacombe. “No conclusion can be drawn from this match. PSG lined out with a second string team.”

“In the Cup final it will be a different story. Things will be more favourable for Paris, they are at home and in form despite this defeat.

“We’ll have to find our feet quickly and show a different side than we did against Le Mans.”

Meanwhile, PSG’s Serbian striker Mateja Kezman believes his side are the favourites despite losing twice this season to Monaco.

“It’s a huge match and, for me, a fantastic opportunity to win a trophy,” said Kezman.

“We’re all really well prepared. I’ve won trophies with every team I’ve played for. Winning one with Paris would be fantastic.”