AS Monaco have confirmed the appointment of Sébastien Pocognoli as their new head coach, bringing to a close the Adi Hütter era with hopes of reigniting the club’s ambitions both domestically and in Europe. Pocognoli, aged 38, joins the Ligue 1 side from Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise, having signed a contract running until June 2027.
The decision follows a tumultuous start to the 2025-26 campaign under Hütter. Despite strong finishes in previous seasons, Monaco have struggled early this season. They are currently sitting fifth in the Ligue 1 standings after seven matches, just three points shy of leaders Paris Saint-Germain, and have only managed one win in their last five games across all competitions.
Their Champions League form has not helped, with a heavy 4-1 loss to Club Brugge and a 2-2 draw against Manchester City marking a mixed beginning.
In announcing Pocognoli’s arrival, Monaco praised his “ambitious and attractive style of play” and noted his recent success in Belgium, where he guided Union Saint-Gilloise to their first league title in 90 years, finishing ahead of Club Brugge. Monaco’s statement emphasised that Pocognoli “stood out by combining strong results with an ambitious and attractive style of play.”
For his part, Pocognoli inherits a squad with high expectations, a senior group of players, and a demanding calendar. His first game in charge will be in Ligue 1 away at Angers on October 18, followed by a Champions League home fixture against Tottenham Hotspur four days later.
The departure of Adi Hütter ends a tenure of just over two years. During that period, the Austrian coach brought Monaco back into the top three domestically and secured consecutive Champions League campaigns. Nevertheless, persistent defensive frailties and disappointing recent results led to the decision to part ways.
In commentaries reflecting on his exit, Hütter himself stated, “We didn’t find the right solutions to find the final goal. I am not 100 per cent satisfied.” Monaco thanked Hütter for his contributions, acknowledging that sometimes “destinies separate,” while wishing him well.
Pocognoli’s rise to this role has been relatively rapid. After retiring from playing in 2021, having featured for clubs such as AZ Alkmaar, Standard Liège, Genk, and having made 13 appearances for the Belgian national team, he moved into coaching with Union Saint-Gilloise.
His debut season as a first-team manager was a resounding success: league champions after a 90-year drought, with a style noted for its energy, pressing, and tactical discipline.
At Monaco, his challenge will be substantial — restoring confidence, tightening up defensively, and blending his footballing philosophy into a squad that has abundant individual talent but has lacked consistency.
With supporters demanding success in Ligue 1 and a more significant showing in the Champions League, the timing of this appointment suggests Monaco believe Pocognoli can spearhead a new cycle for the club.