Monaco coach Jardim reveals plans to sell players in January

Most clubs play coy ahead of the opening of a transfer window, but AS Monaco head coach Leonardo Jardim was quite frank in the assessment of his ranks, saying he'll be looking to sell a few players come January.

Hiring former Chelsea sporting director Michael Emenalo opens up new avenues to bolster its youth ranks, and since Monaco was dumped out from Group G of the Champions League, the need for a deep roster isn't quite as pressing. Monaco is set up to enjoy long-term success, but for now, Jardim is looking to trim the fat from his side by cashing in on underperforming assets.

"We only have three competitions now and we will need to reduce the squad," Jardim told L'Equipe, as quoted by the Press Association. "Monaco have never had a big winter transfer window while I've been here.

"Some will need to play elsewhere. The priority is to reduce the group, more than bringing in players.

"When you close up the group, everyone is more focused. I will have 18 players with me, plus one or two youngsters, and that will be good.

"When you have 25 players, you always leave 14 of them out of the team. That is not good for the club or the players as our aim is for them to progress."

Related: How Emenalo's hiring maintains Monaco's modest youth movement

Despite topping Ligue 1 last season, Monaco couldn't hold onto key starters like Kylian Mbappe, Bernardo Silva, Benjamin Mendy, and Tiemoue Bakayoko last summer. But Jardim isn't necessarily looking to sell off more star players, hinting cryptically: "I am not in the habit of playing the players who are performing less well, I always play those who are in the best form."