The Italian has called on his Ligue 1 leaders to tighten
up ahead of the visit of Saint-Etienne on Saturday.
Claudio Ranieri has warned his Monaco side they must
improve defensively if they are to continue their fine start to the season.
The newly-promoted Ligue 1 side top the division having
remained unbeaten in their first eight matches of the season, but have drawn
two of their last three fixtures 1-1 after falling behind.
Monaco were held to a score draw by Reims last Sunday
after recording the same result against champions Paris Saint-Germain a week
earlier and Ranieri is keen for his side to be more resilient to avoid having
to fight back in future.
"I want the team to be more compact, always.
Saturday comes another good team that plays good football, that plays well on
the sides," the 61-year-old said.
"So, there are a lot of players who dribble very well,
very quickly. It is important to be focused and play compact.
"We have many young players. So it's normal that we
only think of the attack. But in football, there is the attack and
defence."
His thoughts were echoed by experienced defender Ricardo
Carvalho, with the 35-year-old eager for the side to gain some stability at the
back.
"Yes you want to get better always, especially away
from home it's important. Don't concede goals," the ex-Chelsea and Real
Madrid man said.
"We are doing well, but in the last match the coach
changed for another system, playing with (Joao) Moutinho and (Mounir) Obbadi,
just two in the middle.
"But I think when you defend you have to defend as a
team, it is our responsibility, everyone has to fight to defend and to be
compact.
"It doesn't matter if you play 4-4-2 or with two
wingers and just two in the middle, everyone has to help a little bit to
defend."
Culled from Goal
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