Monaco CAN challenge PSG… they don’t have Zlatan now!

The 22-year-old midfielder believes Ibrahimovic’s exit to Man Utd makes the Ligue 1 holders a less formidable force, while he is also hoping to shine in the Champions League

Young Monaco star Tiemoue Bakayoko has set his sights on toppling Paris Saint-Germain in the current season, and sees no reason why his side cannot fight for the title.

PSG have won four consecutive Ligue 1 crowns since Qatar Sports Investments’ takeover in 2012 made the capital club one of the richest teams in the world.

Stars like Zlatan Ibrahimovic have helped them to the most successful spell in their history, but Bakayoko believes the exit of the striker makes PSG more vulnerable.

“This season, I hope we finish in the top two. There is the duel with Lyon, but I think this year we can get closer to PSG,” he explained to Goal.

“Without Ibra, perhaps this is not the same team. While Cavani is one of the best strikers in the world, I think rivals are more confident and are convinced they can win.

“When Ibra is there, you know that it will be difficult, that you must not leave a single centimetre.”

The 22-year-old midfielder enjoyed a fine season with Monaco in 2015-16, helping the principality club reach the Champions League.

Bakayoko hopes his team go far in the European competition, and cannot help but dream of fighting in the final stages.

“It would be nice to qualify for the first stage. After that, it would be good to go to at least the quarter-finals,” he said.

“I’m 22 and it’s time to show what I can do. I really aim to bring big performances in this competition as Bernardo [Silva], Yannick [Ferreira Carrasco], Geoffrey [Kondogbia] or others were able to do two years ago.”

The youngster is also thinking ahead to a possible France call-up, although he is determined to keep working hard to earn a place with Les Bleus.

“I’m a player that does not get talked about much, although that could change this time. I do not think the gap is so big to get there,” he affirmed.

“I must continue to work, to play well and there is no reason that one day I won’t receive the call.”