Raggi expects Monaco success

Despite its station in Ligue 2, having been relegated in the 2010-2011 campaign, the former Bologna man is confident his new employer can soon return to the big time and do battle with big-spending PSG, which finished second behind Montpellier last season.

"I chose Monaco because I think they are a big club," Raggi told Nice Matin.

"When you receive an offer from such an ambitious club, you cannot refuse. I am very happy to be here.

"I have only one objective, to help Monaco back into Ligue 1. The club should never have left the elite.

"I am convinced that Monaco can challenge alongside a team like PSG if we return to Ligue 1.

"First we have to concentrate on winning the Ligue 2 title. Only after that, we will see if we can rival Paris."

Raggi denied that his drop from Serie A to the French second tier represents a lack of ambition and pointed to the presence of former Chelsea and Roma coach Claudio Ranieri in the dug-out as evidence of Monaco aiming high.

"You can see a club's aims by the identity of their coach," he said. "Hiring Claudio Ranieri confirms that Monaco are chasing success. His presence was an important element in my decision.

"Bologna are a big club in Italy but Monaco, notwithstanding this difficult period, are a well-known team in my country for having challenged at the top of Ligue 1 for a long time."