AS Monaco coach Claudio Ranieri believes that the reaction of his players to losing their unbeaten record will be vital to any challenge for top honours in Ligue 1.

Ranieri's men tasted defeat for the first time in Ligue 1 this season at Lille last Sunday, falling three points behind league leaders Paris-Saint Germain.

The Italian has challenged his players to prove that they are mentally strong this evening by winning against Evian TG, but is adamant that the Lille loss taught them a lot they can use moving forward.

He told Ligue 1's official website: "I am convinced that the team has learned from what happened [at Lille] and their reaction will be very important.

"My experience has taught me that things will not always go well over the course of a season but I think we will put in a good performance on Friday evening."

Monaco have won just one of their last four matches in all competitions, but remain unbeaten at their Stade Louis II home.