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France: Monaco turn back on Deschamps years [Tue Sep 20th, 2005]
Paris (Reuters) - Troubled Monaco start life without Didier Deschamps when they visit promoted Troyes in Ligue 1.
Deschamps resigned on Monday after a poor run of form that has left the club 15th in Ligue 1 and out of the UEFA Champions League.
His assistant, Jean Petit, takes over on a caretaker basis and will sit on the bench in Troyes. Names of possible replacements are circulating with former Sochaux coach Guy Lacombe top of the list.
"It think it's exaggerated to talk about a crisis," said Monaco president Michel Pastor.
"Other great trainers like (Arsene) Wenger, (Jean) Tigana and (Claude) Puel left us and we recovered. Monaco are and will remain a great club."
After taking charge in 2001, Deschamps guided the club to three top-three Ligue 1 finishes and the 2004 Champions League final.
Former France captain Deschamps said he needed time off before looking for a new challenge.
LYON UNDEFEATED
The 36-year-old World Cup winner stepped down a day after a 2-0 home defeat by Stade Rennes during which the fans called for his head.
The principality club, who have lost four of their first seven matches, are 10 points off the pace.
Undefeated Olympique Lyon, chasing an unprecedented fifth successive title, are top.
They drew 1-1 at Girondins Bordeaux on Saturday, after which the referee said he should have awarded Bordeaux a penalty.
Lyon should be tested on Thursday when they face fifth-placed entertain northerners Racing Lens, who have scored 13 goals so far, more than any other team.
Promoted Le Mans are a surprise second three points below Lyon and will want to extend their strong start when they visit lowly Nice on Wednesday.
St Etienne, who moved up to third with a spectacular 3-0 victory over Paris St Germain on Sunday, will host promoted Nancy, also on Wednesday.
St Etienne, who won the last of their record 10 titles in 1981 and have spent a total eight years in the second division since, have conceded just one goal.
The other great name of French football, Olympique Marseille, seem to be improving after a disastrous start and travel to Toulouse on Wednesday.
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