The Cup. Here was a chance for Monaco to make if not a double at least to finish the season with a trophy – Metz, as brave as they were, were no match. On paper, that is. At the end of the final reality bit: regular time ended scoreless 0-0 and in the overtime Metz scored twice. Monaco did not and lost 2-0.
Twice unfortunate… keeping head to head, not giving up, not really beaten of weaker, yet, finishing second and consequently – empty handed. Something was lacking, something tiny, but enough to place Monaco second, not first. It was impossible to put a finger at some obvious weakness, unfortunately – to identify a problem, so to fix it. What was there to fix? Lucien Muller was good coach. A team full with national team players at their prime – Bravo, Bellone, Amoros, Ettori, Le Roux, Genghini will be European champions only a month after the end of the French championship. Add Bijotat, Petit, Puel and what more one can ask for? Nothing, but all that talent was good only for second place, no matter how close it came to winning.
Metz triumphed with Cup victory, which was great for a club poor on trophies. Since they did not have starry squad, nobody could blame them for prevailing only in extra-time, that is, winning largely on enthusiasm. It was delightful victory of the underdog and especially important victory for their coach: the former great Polish midfielder Kasperczak was only beginning his coaching career and this victory was very encouraging: the guy was obviously talented and there was strong promise for a great coaching career. All that is just footnotes: this was historic victory for Metz. They won their very trophy! Just imagine the rush of joy.
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