COVENTRY City suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat against Ligue 1 giants Monaco in a behind-closed-doors friendly at St. George’s Park.
A hat-trick from substitute Maghnes Akliouche and further goals from Mika Biereth and Saimon Bouabre inflicted a heavy defeat on Frank Lampard’s side.
The eight-time French champions named a strong side while Coventry handed a start to youngster Callum Perry in the first half with the rest of the starting line-up made up of first team players.
Only goalkeeper Ben Wilson played the full 90 minutes as Lampard gave minutes to 20 players including youngsters Kai Andrews and Justin Obikwu in the second half.
Monaco broke the deadlock on 27 minutes when former Arsenal striker Biereth scored on the turn via the aid of a deflection.
And Bouabre doubled Monaco’s lead on 37 minutes with a curling effort from the edge of the penalty area.
Sky Blues midfielder Jack Rudoni twice went close to reducing the deficit as he saw an effort blocked behind before Monaco goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki tipped a powerful shot over the crossbar.
Monaco stretched their lead on 61 minutes as Akliouche played a one-two with Krepin Diatta before finding the net.
Akliouche doubled his tally for the game on 70 minutes when he latched onto Breel Embolo’s pass in-behind the Sky Blues defence.
And Akliouche completed his hat-trick four minutes from time as the Sky Blues continue to build up their fitness levels ahead of the new season.
Coventry are next in action against Bristol Rovers on Wednesday, July 23 with kick-off at 7pm at the Memorial Stadium.
