Updated17. August 2024, 15:43
Football: Denis Zakaria moves up the ranks at Monaco and becomes captain
The Geneva midfielder is the new trusted man of coach Adi Hütter, who he worked alongside at Young Boys and Borussia Mönchengladbach.
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Ruben Steiger
As captain, Denis Zakaria lifted the Joan Gamper friendly trophy with AS Monaco.
IMAGO/AFLOSPORT
AS Monaco is emerging as one of the main competitors to Paris Saint-Germain in the fight for the French championship title. The Monegasques and their three Swiss players (Philipp Köhn, Denis Zakaria and Breel Embolo) begin their season this Saturday against AS Saint-Étienne, back in Ligue 1.
Who says new season, also says new responsibilities for one of the three Swiss. Denis Zakaria (27 years old) has moved up the ranks in the hierarchy within the Rocher team. The Genevan has been named captain. The staff’s choice was obvious.
Although he only arrived in the Principality a year ago, the midfielder has quickly taken up a lot of space on the pitch, but also off it since the departure of captain Wissam Ben Yedder in the winter transfer window. “Denis was already involved in decision-making last season,” explained to The Team Thiago Scuro, the general director of AS Monaco.
Polyglot and privileged relationship with the coach
Two factors spoke in favour of Denis Zakaria when choosing the captain. First of all, his polyglotism. Trained at Servette then spent time at Young Boys, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Chelsea and Juventus, he has developed many skills. He is thus able to communicate with all the elements of the contingent.
Monaco coach Adi Hütter has great confidence in Denis Zakaria.
IMAGO/Kick USA
Then, the Swiss international (55 caps) knows his coach Adi Hütter very well since he worked alongside him for two years at Young Boys (2015 to 2017) then for a season at Gladbach (2021-2022). “I like having a good relationship with the captain,” the Austrian technician told the same source.
An important place on the pitch and a key role in the locker room. Denis Zakaria has everything in hand to have an excellent season in Ligue 1 and regain a starting place with the Nati. As long as his body leaves him alone.
