Michael Emenalo Appointed by Monaco

Chelsea’s recently-resigned technical director, Michael Emenalo, has already found a new job. As rumoured at the time of his resignation — even though he claimed that he was mostly just looking to spend more time with his family — he has been appointed sporting director at last season’s Champions League semi-finalists, AS Monaco.

At Monaco, Emenalo will not be doing work dissimilar to that at Chelsea. The Ligue 1 club also heavily prioritise the purchase of young talent with the view of eventually integrating them into the first-team, if not immediately. There are examples aplenty of such players, such as Anthony Martial, Yannick Carrasco and of course, Tiemoue Bakayoko, who signed for Chelsea this summer. They’ve also encouraged the involvement of academy graduates with the first-team, such as Kylian Mbappe and Almamy Toure.

Incidentally, the man credited with getting those players to Monaco, Luis Campos, who is currently at Lille, has recently been linked with the Chelsea vacancy.

Youth development is a core principle at Monaco, and hence the pathway for youngsters is definitely clearer than at Chelsea. Hence, it would definitely make sense if Emenalo desired to see more of his efforts come to direct fruition at another top European club.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for me in such a high quality project. AS Monaco has shown a great evolution in the past few seasons and I am convinced that the club will keep being successful. (Vice President) Vadim Vasilyev convinced me to join AS Monaco and I believe this is the right choice for me after my decision to leave Chelsea. I will work here with humility and try my best to bring my experience in this club which is a reference of French and European football.”

■ Michael Emenalo; source: AS Monaco

Emenalo has worked closely with the youth at Chelsea over the years, keeping a close eye on their development, both at the club and on loan, meaning it wouldn’t be surprising if he tried to prise away a few prospects permanently from Chelsea. Charly Musonda Jr. is a name that springs to mind, given the impasse in his contract situation and Monaco’s previously rumoured interest.

Anyhow, good luck to Emenalo on his new endeavour, and may it bring him more immediate fulfillment than at Chelsea.