'There is no other reading' – Eullaffroy bemoans lack of quality at Montreal

The lack of quality within CF Montreal's squad is the reason they find themselves at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, so says interim boss Philippe Eullaffroy. Even the signing of Alexis Sanchez has not turned Montreal's fortunes around after they suffered their 12th defeat of the season last time out. Montreal were beaten 2-0 by the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park, with second-half goals from Danley Jean Jacques and Cavan Sullivan sealing the win for the hosts. Prince Owusu also missed a penalty when Montreal were a goal down, but it was another disappointing performance for Eullafroy's side, who failed to fire in front of goal. They finished with an expected goals (xG) total of just 1.18 from their five shots compared to Philadelphia's tally of 2.95 from 19 attempts at Sebastian Breza's net. "There is enough wealth in the squad for this club to have greater success in this league. However, the players must show quality, it only depends on them," Eullaffroy said. "We will not take stock of the season. At the moment, we are last, there is no other reading. We have no choice but to make a self-criticism. "At no time can we say that, at this moment, we are better than the others." Marque finale. Final score. #CFMTL pic.twitter.com/d77U4WZ2ZU Things do not get easier for Montreal, with home a clash against Charlotte FC up next, who find themselves fifth in the East and within touching distance of the top four. Dean Smith's side were able to extend their unbeaten run in the league against the Houston Dynamo last weekend, even after seeing Ashley Westwood get sent off. Charlotte were able to hold on to earn a goalless draw at Bank of America Stadium, and Smith was confident his team's battling display can be used to build momentum. "Well, we will definitely have to make one change," Smith said. "We'll have a look at the game, and we will reflect on it and do some work leading into the Montreal game. "The Montreal game will be a different game because they play a completely different way to what we experienced against Houston at the weekend. "But we're in a good place. I don't have to worry about the opposition. My focus is on us. I think if we get the best out of ourselves, we get the performances and results we want." PLAYERS TO WATCH Montreal – Alexis Sanchez In his first career MLS start on Saturday, Sanchez made a bright start to life in Montreal, attempting five dribbles, completing three of them. The only Montreal players to attempt more than five dribbles in their first career MLS start are Omar Browne in 2019 and Ballou Tabla in 2017 (nine each). Charlotte – Pep Biel Biel has been involved in a goal in six of his last eight away appearances for Charlotte (three goals, three assists) dating back to mid-April. He has 16 career goal contributions in regular-season away matches (nine goals, seven assists), tied with Westwood for the most in Charlotte's MLS history. Back in action tomorrow pic.twitter.com/GkhQ0RBy77 MATCH PREDICTION: CHARLOTTE WIN Montreal snapped a two-match losing streak against Charlotte with a 4-1 home win in the last meeting between the sides. This week's hosts have scored multiple goals in all five of their wins over the Crown while failing to score in the other three meetings (D1 L2). However, Montreal are winless in seven straight regular-season home matches (D5 L2), though each of the last three at Stade Saputo have ended in draws. Their only longer home winless run in the club's MLS history was an eight-match stretch between April and June last year. Charlotte, meanwhile, have lost only one of their last 10 regular-season matches (W6 D3) following a scoreless draw against Houston on Saturday, making them one of five teams with just one league defeat since that run began in mid-May, while only St. Louis City are unbeaten in that time. OPTA WIN PROBABILITY Montreal – 31.8% Draw – 25.3% Charlotte – 42.9%